The nurse is assessing pain level with vital signs for an adolescent client. The client is reporting pain but when the nurse asks for a description of the pain the client says, "It just hurts. Why can't I have something?" Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Providing questions that require yes or no answers related to pain can help the adolescent to better describe their pain and assist the nurse in assessing the severity and location of the pain. Leaving the room, asking about pain medications, or continuing with the vital signs assessment would not address the adolescent's need to describe their pain more fully.

The Nurse Is Assessing Pain Level with Vital Signs for an Adolescent