Pain and Symptom Management Flashcards

Which pain scale uses faces to rate pain level and is commonly used with cognitively impaired patients?

Answer: Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale

The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale uses facial expressions to help patients who cannot verbally rate their pain, making it useful for cognitively impaired or pediatric patients.

What does 'breakthrough pain' mean in palliative care?

Answer: A sudden flare of pain occurring despite baseline pain control

Breakthrough pain is a transient, sudden flare of intense pain that occurs despite a patient being on a scheduled pain medication regimen.

When should the nursing assistant report a change in a patient's pain level?

Answer: Immediately when a significant change is observed

Any significant change in a patient's pain level should be reported to the supervising nurse immediately so appropriate interventions can be made.

Which non-pharmacological comfort measure may help relieve pain in hospice patients?

Answer: Repositioning and gentle massage

Non-pharmacological measures such as repositioning, gentle massage, heat/cold application, and relaxation techniques can help complement pain medication.

Which of the following is a common sign of uncontrolled pain in a non-verbal patient?

Answer: Facial grimacing, moaning, or restlessness

Non-verbal signs of pain include facial grimacing, furrowing of brows, moaning, guarding, and increased restlessness or agitation.

Opioids used in hospice care are primarily prescribed to:

Answer: Relieve pain and dyspnea

Opioids in hospice care are used to relieve pain and dyspnea (difficulty breathing), improving patient comfort and quality of life.