Which of the following is a sign of pain?

Which of the following is a sign of pain?

• A. Verbalization and facial expression
• B. No response
• C. Eating less
• D. Sleeping peacefully

Answer: (A)

Pain is shown through how a person communicates and reacts to discomfort. Verbalizing pain—such as moaning, crying out, or asking for help—along with facial expressions like grimacing, frowning, or a tense, worried look, are classic, direct signs that someone is experiencing pain. These cues are often the most immediate and reliable indicators for a patient who can’t describe their pain fully, which is why they’re the best clue to act on. Not responding at all could suggest sedation, unconsciousness, or a different issue, and isn’t a typical sign that someone is in pain. Eating less can occur with many conditions and isn’t as specific to pain. Sleeping peacefully usually means comfort and no current pain, so it doesn’t align with the presence of pain. If you observe verbalizations or facial distress, report it promptly and document it, so the nurse can assess and manage the patient’s pain appropriately.

Pain is shown through how a person communicates and reacts to discomfort. Verbalizing pain—such as moaning, crying out, or asking for help—along with facial expressions like grimacing, frowning, or a tense, worried look, are classic, direct signs that someone is experiencing pain. These cues are often the most immediate and reliable indicators for a patient who can’t describe their pain fully, which is why they’re the best clue to act on.

Not responding at all could suggest sedation, unconsciousness, or a different issue, and isn’t a typical sign that someone is in pain. Eating less can occur with many conditions and isn’t as specific to pain. Sleeping peacefully usually means comfort and no current pain, so it doesn’t align with the presence of pain.

If you observe verbalizations or facial distress, report it promptly and document it, so the nurse can assess and manage the patient’s pain appropriately.