The nurse is assessing the patient's pain using the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool. Which of the following assessments would indicate the greatest likelihood of pain and need for nursing intervention?
a. Absence of vocal sounds
b. Fighting the ventilator
c. Moving legs in bed
d. Relaxed muscles in upper extremities
B
Fighting the ventilator is rated with the greatest number of points for compliance with the ventilator, and could indicate pain or anxiety. Absence of vocal sounds (e.g., no crying) and relaxed muscles do not indicate pain and are not given a point value. The patient may be moving the legs as a method of range of motion, not necessarily in response to pain. The patient needs to be assessed for restlessness if the movement is excessive.
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Fill in the blank(s) with correct word