The nurse is assessing a patient's pain. What should the nurse know is the most reliable indicator of pain?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The subjective report is the most reliable indicator of pain. Physical examination findings can lend support, but the clinician cannot exclusively base the diagnosis of pain on physical assessment findings. Although the physical examination findings, vital signs, and CAT scan findings can lend support, the clinician cannot exclusively base the diagnosis of pain on those findings. The patient's subjective report is the most reliable indicator of pain.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Patient's Pain