Pain scale assessment flashcards

What is a pain scale?

A tool used to measure a patient's pain intensity, often from 0 to 10.

0 on the pain scale means...

No pain at all.

10 on the pain scale means...

Unbearable or excruciating pain.

True or False: Pain scales are subjective.

True, because they depend on individual patient reports.

Difference between numeric and visual analog scales.

Numeric uses numbers to rate pain; visual analog uses a line to mark pain intensity.

Fill in the blank: The Wong-Baker scale uses ___ faces.

Six faces to represent different emotional states related to pain.

How often should pain be assessed?

At regular intervals, often every shift or as patient reports changes.

What is the FLACC scale?

A behavioral pain assessment tool for children and non-verbal adults.

Question: Why assess pain?

To ensure effective pain management and improve patient comfort.

What does the term 'pain threshold' refer to?

The point at which a stimulus is perceived as painful.

True or False: Pain is always a sign of injury.

False, because pain can also arise from psychological conditions.

Difference between acute and chronic pain.

Acute pain is short-term and often linked to injury; chronic pain persists for months or longer.

What is a common method to assess pain in adults?

Using a numeric rating scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).

Fill in the blank: Non-verbal patients may be assessed using ___ behaviors.

Facial expressions, body movements, and vocalizations.

Question: What role does culture play in pain assessment?

Cultural background may influence how patients express and report pain.

What is breakthrough pain?

A sudden flare of pain that occurs despite stable baseline pain control.