When assessing the client's pain level, what will the nurse determine is the most reliable indicator of the pain? A)Client's ethnic background B)Client's report of symptoms C)Client's vital signs D)Extent of client's injury

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11ecbb05_cb2f_f0c0_b433_2f6ec704288b_MD0009_00 The client's self-report of symptoms is always the most reliable indicator of the client's pain. The nurse does not have the ability to determine the extent of pain the client is experiencing-only the client can report this. In the nonverbal client, the nurse may use nonverbal pain scales such as the Wong-Baker pain rating scale. (Option A) Although clients from various ethnic backgrounds may express pain differently, it is not appropriate for the nurse to assume that ethnic background is a reliable source of information when determining pain. (Option C) Although changes in vital signs may occur in acute pain (generally increased respiratory rate and heart rate), these changes are not the most reliable source of information when determining pain. (Option D) The extent of a client's injury is not a reliable source of information when determining pain because all clients experience pain differently. What one client may feel as excruciating pain another client may not. Educational objective: The most reliable indicator for the client's pain is the client's self-report of symptoms. Nurses should not assume what the client's pain level is based on injury or ethnicity. Although a change in vital signs may occur in the client in pain, this is not the most reliable indicator.

When Assessing the Client's Pain Level, What Will the Nurse