Question

Which method is the most accurate way to determine the pain level of a patient who is alert and oriented?

a. Evaluate whether the patient is crying or grimacing.
b. Assess the patient's heart rate and blood pressure.
c. Consider the seriousness of the patient's condition.
d. Ask the patient to describe the pain and rate its level.

Answer 1

The most accurate method to assess a patient's pain level is by asking the patient to self-report and describe their pain intensity. The correct multiple-choice option is (D).

Step-by-step explanation:

The most accurate way to determine the pain level of a patient who is alert and oriented is to ask the patient to describe the pain and rate its level. This direct method is based on the patient's subjective experience and allows for a personal report of pain which can be quantified, for instance, using tools like the Wong-Baker Faces pain-rating scale which lets patients rate their pain on a scale of 0-10. While other metrics like heart rate and expression can provide additional context, the patient's self-reported pain assessment is considered the gold standard in pain measurement.

The correct multiple-choice option is (D).