What it means
Pain is checked with the client's own report whenever possible, using a 0 to 10 number scale or a faces scale. Nurses also ask about location, onset, how long it lasts, its quality (sharp, dull, burning), what makes it better or worse, and how it affects sleep and activity. For people who cannot report, such as infants or adults with advanced dementia, behavior scales such as FLACC or PAINAD are used.
For the nurse
Reassess after every pain intervention, usually 15 to 30 minutes after an IV drug and 30 to 60 minutes after an oral one, and record the result. Believe the client's report.
At a glance
| Also written | pain assessments |
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Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
analgesic
A drug that relieves pain.
subjective data
Information the client (or family) tells the nurse, which only the person can know and the nurse cannot measure.
FLACC scale
A pain scale based on watching a child's Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability, each scored 0 to 2.