Question

The charge nurse of a long-term care facility is reviewing the methods and assessment tools that the staff nurses are using to assess pain. Which nurse is using the best method to assess pain?

1. Nurse A uses a behavioral assessment tool when the client is engaged in activities.
2. Nurse B asks a client who doesn't speak English to point to the location of pain.
3. Nurse C uses the same numerical rating scale every day for the same client.
4. Nurse D asks the daughter of a confused client to describe the client's pain.

Answer 1

Nurse C using the same numerical rating scale daily is likely using the best method for pain assessment among the options because it allows for consistent tracking of the patient's pain level over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most effective method for assessing pain is likely to vary depending on a patient's specific situation. However, if we consider general best practices in pain assessment, Nurse C using the same numerical rating scale every day for the same client might be considered using the best method among the options given.

Consistency in using a numerical scale can provide a reliable way to track changes in the patient's pain level over time.

On the other hand, behavioral assessment tools can be useful, especially for non-verbal patients, but their efficacy largely depends on the context in which they are used, such as whether the patient is at rest or engaged in activities.

Asking a non-English speaking client to point to the location of pain is a good initial step but does not fully assess the intensity or quality of the pain.

Lastly, relying on a family member's description of a confused client's pain may not accurately reflect the patient's experience, as it is a second-hand account.