A nurse is performing a pain assessment for an alert client. Which measure should the nurse recognize as the most reliable indicator of pain?
Severity of the condition
Vital signs
Nonverbal behavior
Self-rating of pain
The Correct Answer is D
A. The severity of the condition may correlate with pain but is not a direct measure of the individual's pain experience.
B. Vital signs can change due to pain but are not specific indicators of pain intensity or presence.
C. Nonverbal behavior can provide clues about pain but is subjective and can vary greatly between individuals.
D. Self-rating of pain is considered the most reliable indicator of pain because it reflects the individual's personal experience and perception of their pain, making it the gold standard for assessing pain intensity.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Nodules, specifically rheumatoid nodules, can occur in RA, but they are not typically an early manifestation.
B. Fremitus is related to lung assessment and is not a manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis.
C. Tenderness in the soles of the feet is not a classic early manifestation of RA.
D. Joint swelling is one of the hallmark early signs of rheumatoid arthritis due to inflammation of the synovial membranes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assessing visual acuity directly tests cranial nerve II (the optic nerve), which is responsible for vision.
B. Eliciting the gag reflex tests cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus), not cranial nerve II.
C. Checking for pupillary response to light primarily assesses the function of cranial nerve II but is more associated with cranial nerve III (oculomotor) since it involves the constriction of the pupil. While relevant, it is not the best standalone action for assessing cranial nerve II specifically.
D. Observing for facial symmetry is associated with cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), not cranial nerve II.