A nurse is caring for a ventilated post-operative patient who might be experiencing pain. Which method should be used first to assess pain?

• A. Attempting an analgesic trial
• B. Asking the patient if he is in pain
• C. Observing the patient's face for grimacing
• D. Asking a family member if the patient is in pain

Answer: (B)

Asking the patient directly whether he is in pain is the first step because pain is a subjective experience, and the patient’s own report provides the most accurate information about its presence and intensity. If the patient can respond, obtain details about location, quality, and degree of pain to guide treatment. In a ventilated post-operative patient who may not be able to speak, relying on facial expressions or having a family member report pain can be misleading, so use validated observational tools designed for nonverbal patients (such as CPOT or BPS) to assess pain when communication isn’t possible. An analgesic trial isn’t the initial approach when direct self-report is feasible, though it may be appropriate if assessment remains impossible. Always recheck the patient after analgesia to ensure adequate pain relief and adjust care as needed.