Question

When a client complains of pain, what should the health aide do first?

A) Ask the client to describe the pain
B) Change the client's position
C) Offer the client a warm cup of milk
D) Call the client's doctor

Answer 1

When a client complains of pain, a health aide should first ask the client to describe the pain to assess the situation properly before deciding on further actions such as repositioning the client or contacting a doctor.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client complains of pain, a health aide should first ask the client to describe the pain. By doing this, the aide can gather valuable information about the pain's location, intensity, quality, duration, and precipitating factors, which can aid in assessing the client's condition and determining the next course of action. Only after understanding the pain can the health aide safely decide if they need to reposition the client, offer comfort measures, or escalate the situation by calling the doctor.

It is important to practice good communication skills and show empathy when dealing with clients in pain. Also, proper documentation of the client's complaints and actions taken is crucial in healthcare settings to ensure continuity of care and for legal purposes.