A patient is refusing to take pain medication for chronic back pain. The nurse asks the patient to rate the pain on a scale from 0 to 10. What is the nurse attempting to do with this patient?
1. Assess the patient's level of pain
2. Determine if the patient should remain in the hospital
3. Decide if the patient is being argumentative
4. Figure out if the patient should leave the hospital against medical advice
Correct Answer: 1
The most reliable indicator of the presence and degree of pain is the patient's own statements about the pain. Pain rating scales ensure consistent communication about the pain level. The nurse is not attempting to question the patient's admission or stay in the hospital, to decide if the patient is being argumentative, or decide whether the patient should leave the hospital against medical advice.
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