Question

What is important for the nurse to consider when addressing pain in the nonverbal patient or a patient unable to self report pain?

A) Rely solely on the patient's vital signs for pain assessment.
B) Disregard any signs of pain unless the patient becomes agitated.
C) Use pain assessment tools specifically designed for nonverbal patients.
D) Administer pain medication without assessing the patient's pain

Answer 1

When addressing pain in a nonverbal patient or a patient unable to self report pain, it is important for the nurse to consider factors such as using pain assessment tools specifically designed for nonverbal patients (Option C).

Step-by-step explanation:

When addressing pain in a nonverbal patient or a patient unable to self report pain, it is important for the nurse to consider several factors. One option is to rely solely on the patient's vital signs for pain assessment, but this may not provide a complete picture of the patient's experience. Disregarding any signs of pain unless the patient becomes agitated is not recommended, as patients may exhibit subtle cues or behaviors that indicate pain.

The best approach is to use pain assessment tools specifically designed for nonverbal patients, such as the Wong-Baker Faces pain-rating scale or measuring skin conductance fluctuations. These tools allow the nurse to gather more objective data about the patient's pain and make informed decisions about pain management.

Thus, the correct option is C.