Which statement reflects an appropriate approach to pain assessment?

Which statement reflects an appropriate approach to pain assessment?

• A. Rely solely on vital signs to assess pain.
• B. Pain should be evaluated using a standardized pain scale and the patient's report.
• C. Pain can be assessed by family members' description alone.
• D. The patient’s verbal report is not reliable.

Answer: (B)

Pain assessment is centered on the patient’s own experience and a consistent measuring tool. Vital signs can change for many reasons and don’t reliably reflect how much pain a person feels. The best approach is to ask the patient to rate their pain using a standardized scale (like a numeric or faces scale) and to gather their description of location, quality, onset, duration, and factors that worsen or relieve it. This self-report provides the most accurate guide for treatment and ongoing evaluation. If the patient can’t communicate, use validated observation tools and input from caregivers, but self-report remains the primary source whenever possible.

Pain assessment is centered on the patient’s own experience and a consistent measuring tool. Vital signs can change for many reasons and don’t reliably reflect how much pain a person feels. The best approach is to ask the patient to rate their pain using a standardized scale (like a numeric or faces scale) and to gather their description of location, quality, onset, duration, and factors that worsen or relieve it. This self-report provides the most accurate guide for treatment and ongoing evaluation. If the patient can’t communicate, use validated observation tools and input from caregivers, but self-report remains the primary source whenever possible.