ORMC Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Practice Test

The main idea is to match the pain assessment method to how the patient communicates, and then act on what you find after giving analgesia. For patients who can verbalize their pain, use a self-report tool like the numeric rating scale (0–10) or a verbal descriptor scale. For those who cannot communicate, rely on an observational tool such as FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) to gauge pain based on behavior and distress. After you administer analgesia, reassess to see if pain relief was achieved and, if needed, adjust the plan (change the dose, route, or type of analgesic, or add nonpharmacologic measures). Reassessment is essential to ensure effective relief and to guide ongoing management.