A nurse is performing a pain assessment for an alert client. Which measure should the nurse recognize as the most reliable indicator of pain?
Severity of the condition
Vital signs
Nonverbal behavior
Self-rating of pain
The Correct Answer is D
A. The severity of the condition may correlate with pain but is not a direct measure of the individual's pain experience.
B. Vital signs can change due to pain but are not specific indicators of pain intensity or presence.
C. Nonverbal behavior can provide clues about pain but is subjective and can vary greatly between individuals.
D. Self-rating of pain is considered the most reliable indicator of pain because it reflects the individual's personal experience and perception of their pain, making it the gold standard for assessing pain intensity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. In the anterior chest assessment, auscultation usually follows inspection and is typically done before percussion.
B. In the neck assessment, the nurse may inspect and then auscultate (e.g., carotid arteries) before palpation.
C. In the heart assessment, auscultation follows inspection but may not involve percussion.
D. In the abdomen, the correct order is to inspect, auscultate, and then percuss to assess bowel sounds effectively before creating additional disturbances with percussion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Checking pupillary response to light assesses cranial nerve II (optic nerve).
B. Observing for facial symmetry primarily assesses cranial nerves VII (facial nerve) and possibly V (trigeminal nerve).
C. Testing for sense of smell assesses cranial nerve I (olfactory nerve).
D. Eliciting the gag reflex assesses cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) and also cranial nerve X (vagus nerve), making it the correct action to assess cranial nerve IX.
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