Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Practice
A healthcare provider is assessing the pain level of a client who has dementia and difficulty communicating. Which pain assessment technique should the healthcare provider use?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
In clients with dementia and difficulty communicating, using behavioral indicators such as agitation and restlessness is more reliable for assessing pain than relying on verbal self-report, pain scales, or observing facial expressions. Verbal self-report may not be possible due to communication challenges, pain scales may be difficult for the client to comprehend, and observing facial expressions alone may not provide a comprehensive assessment of pain in individuals with dementia.