Pain assessment

Definition

Pain assessment is the systematic evaluation of pain, including its intensity, location, and impact on daily activities. It helps guide appropriate pain management strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pain assessments often use standardized tools like the Numeric Rating Scale or Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale.
2. Assessment includes both subjective reports from the patient and objective observations by healthcare providers.
3. Accurate pain assessment is crucial for effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management.
4. Chronic pain assessments may require more comprehensive tools compared to acute pain evaluations.
5. Cultural, emotional, and psychological factors can significantly influence a patient's pain report.

Review Questions

• What standardized tools are commonly used in pain assessments?
• Why is accurate pain assessment important in managing patient care?
• How do cultural factors impact the results of a pain assessment?

Related terms

Analgesics: Medications specifically formulated to relieve pain.

Numeric Rating Scale (NRS): A tool where patients rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10.

Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale: A visual tool using faces to help patients describe their level of pain.