Chapter 34: Pain Assessment and Management
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which statement represents accurate information about the physiological assessment
of children’s pain?
a. The best indicator of pain in children of all
ages
b. Essential to determine whether a child is
telling the truth about pain
c. Of most value when children also report
having pain
d. Of limited value as sole indicator of
pain
ANS: D
Physiological manifestations of pain may vary considerably and do not provide a
consistent measure of pain. Heart rate may increase or decrease. The same signs that
may suggest fear, anxiety, or anger also indicate pain. In individuals with persistent
pain the body adapts, and these signs decrease or stabilize. These signs are of limited
value and must be viewed in the context of a pain-rating scale, behavioural
assessment, and parental report. When the child states that pain exists, it does.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 982 OBJ:
Nursing Process: Assessment
2. Which is true about nonpharmacological strategies for pain management?
a. They may reduce pain perception.
b. They make pharmacological strategies
unnecessary.
c. They usually take too long to implement.
d. They trick children into believing they
do not have pain.
ANS: A
Nonpharmacological techniques provide coping strategies that may help reduce pain
perception, make the pain more tolerable, decrease anxiety, and enhance the
effectiveness of analgesics. They should be learned before the pain occurs. With severe
pain, it is best to use both pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures for pain
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which statement represents accurate information about the physiological assessment
of children’s pain?
a. The best indicator of pain in children of all
ages
b. Essential to determine whether a child is
telling the truth about pain
c. Of most value when children also report
having pain
d. Of limited value as sole indicator of
pain
ANS: D
Physiological manifestations of pain may vary considerably and do not provide a
consistent measure of pain. Heart rate may increase or decrease. The same signs that
may suggest fear, anxiety, or anger also indicate pain. In individuals with persistent
pain the body adapts, and these signs decrease or stabilize. These signs are of limited
value and must be viewed in the context of a pain-rating scale, behavioural
assessment, and parental report. When the child states that pain exists, it does.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 982 OBJ:
Nursing Process: Assessment
2. Which is true about nonpharmacological strategies for pain management?
a. They may reduce pain perception.
b. They make pharmacological strategies
unnecessary.
c. They usually take too long to implement.
d. They trick children into believing they
do not have pain.
ANS: A
Nonpharmacological techniques provide coping strategies that may help reduce pain
perception, make the pain more tolerable, decrease anxiety, and enhance the
effectiveness of analgesics. They should be learned before the pain occurs. With severe
pain, it is best to use both pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures for pain
