Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

When assessing pain in a patient, which initial question is most effective to elicit information?

1. "Tell me how you feel."

2. "Point to where you're feeling pain."

3. "Does your pain medication relieve your pain?"

4. "Coughing makes your pain worse, doesn't it?"

The correct answer is: "Tell me how you feel."

The initial question that is most effective in assessing a patient's pain is to ask them to describe how they feel. This open-ended question encourages the patient to share their personal experience with pain in their own words, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of their situation. When a patient expresses their feelings, it can provide insights into the nature, intensity, and emotional impact of their pain, which are critical components in assessing pain effectively. It creates an opportunity for the patient to discuss not only physical sensations but also any associated feelings, such as fear or frustration, which can affect their overall health and well-being. While directing a patient to point to where they feel pain can be helpful in identifying a specific location, it does not provide the depth of information about the quality and severity of the pain. Questions about pain medication relief and the effects of coughing are more specific and could limit the patient's response, potentially leading to a narrower understanding of their full pain experience.