What might a CNA do to verify a resident's pain level?

To verify a resident's pain level, conducting an assessment and asking the resident how they feel is the most effective and appropriate approach. This method respects the resident's autonomy and allows them to express their pain in their own words, which is critical for understanding their experience. A direct assessment can include asking specific questions about the location, intensity, and type of pain they are experiencing. This comprehensive method helps ensure that care providers are accurately informed about the resident's condition and can respond accordingly.

Engaging directly with the resident fosters communication, builds trust, and ensures that their needs are met effectively. It's important for CNAs to assess pain accurately, as pain management is a fundamental aspect of resident care.

Other approaches, such as relying solely on body language or seeking opinions from other staff without consulting the resident, can lead to misunderstandings and may not accurately reflect the resident's pain experience. Consequently, self-reported pain levels are considered the gold standard in pain assessment practices.