The nurse is assessing a client admitted with severe abdominal pain. Which of the following would the nurse include as essential components of the pain assessment? Standard Text: Select all that apply

Question

1. Description of the pain
2. Temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure
3. Pain intensity rating
4. Family medical history
5. Previous pain experience

Answer 1

1,2,3,5
Rationale 1: Description of the pain. The nurse assessing the client will need to determine characteristics of the pain. These characteristics expressed by the client will aid in the management of the condition
Rationale 2: Temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure. The vital signs of the client reporting acute pain will likely provide supportive information concerning the pain being experienced.
Rationale 3: Pain intensity rating. An integral part of the definition of pain is that it is what the individual reports it to be. The degree of intensity will be needed to determine the level of pain being experienced. The degree of pain intensity assessment will be a key component in the interventions being used to manage the pain.
Rationale 4: Family medical history. While the family medical history is a component of a generalized health assessment it is not specific to the assessment of pain.
Rationale 5: Previous pain experience. An individual's past experience with pain is a determining factor in the ability to manage pain. Past experience will also impact reports of pain by the client.