Nursing Assessment for Pain

Pain is often regarded as the fifth vital sign in regards to healthcare because it is accepted now in healthcare that pain, like other vital signs, is an objective sensation rather than subjective. As a result nurses are trained and expected to assess pain.

Nurses Assessment

* Does the patient show nonverbal signs of pain such as crying or grimacing?
* Does the patient watch the clock and ask for the pain medication or sedative at the exact time its due?
* Does the patient continually ask for the medication?
* Does the patient continually ask the physician to increase his or her pain medication?
* What is the dose of the medication and how often does the patient ask for it?
* How long has the patient been taking the drug?
* Does the patient have a change in mood and behavior if they don't receive the medication at the exact time?
* Have a conversation with patient. Do they want the medication because they are in pain or because they can't sleep?
* Do they want the medication because the are anxious?
* What is going on in the patient's life?
* What are their social circumstances?
* Is the nursing staff performing three non-drug interventions before administering a sedative, hypnotic or anti anxiety medication?
* How many different medications is the patient on?
* Is the patient gradually asking for less medication as time goes on or are the asking for more?

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