Admission vital signs for the mechanically ventilated patient in the neurosurgery intensive care unit are heart rate: 60 beats per minute,blood pressure: 110/82,and respiratory rate: 20 breaths per minute.Which statement by the nurse reflects an accurate understanding of the patient's current pain experience?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vital signs may not always accurately reflect a patient's pain experience, especially in patients on mechanical ventilation, as they may not exhibit typical signs of pain such as increased heart rate or respiratory rate. Therefore, further assessment is necessary to determine if pain is present. Choice A, B, and D are inaccurate and do not reflect an understanding of the complexity of pain assessment in the critically ill, mechanically ventilated neurosurgery patient.

Admission Vital Signs for the Mechanically Ventilated Patient in the Neurosurgery