Which question assesses the quality of pain? Select one
A. “What makes your pain worse?”
B. “What does your pain feel like?”
C. “Rate your pain level?”
D. “When did the pain start?”
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B. “What does your pain feel like?”
Explanation:
Assessing pain involves understanding various aspects such as its quality, intensity, location, timing, and factors that affect it. The quality of pain refers to the specific characteristics or nature of the pain sensation experienced by the patient. This includes descriptions like sharp, dull, burning, stabbing, throbbing, or aching.
Option B, “What does your pain feel like?” directly asks the patient to describe the nature or quality of their pain. This question helps to identify the type of pain, which can give important clues about the underlying cause or condition. For example, burning pain might indicate nerve involvement, while throbbing pain could be related to vascular issues.
Option A, “What makes your pain worse?” is focused on identifying aggravating factors or triggers that increase pain intensity. This question helps in understanding pain exacerbation but does not assess the quality of pain itself.
Option C, “Rate your pain level?” asks for a numerical or categorical intensity rating, often using scales like 0 to 10. This measures the severity of pain but does not describe its nature or quality.
Option D, “When did the pain start?” is about the onset or timing of the pain. This is important for establishing the history and potential cause but does not provide information about pain quality.
In summary, to assess the quality of pain, healthcare providers need to know the patient’s description of what the pain feels like, which is why option B is the most appropriate question. This information is crucial for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions.