مريض بعد عملية يقيّم ألمه ٨ من ١٠ لكنه يضحك ويتحدث مع زواره. ما التصرف الأنسب؟

A post-operative client rates his pain 8/10 but is laughing and chatting with visitors. What is most appropriate?

1. Disregard the rating because he looks comfortable
2. Tell him he is exaggerating his pain
3. Delay analgesia until he looks in pain
4. Accept his rating and manage it per plan

Answer: D) Accept his rating and manage it per plan. Pain is subjective, and the client’s report is the standard. Some people cope through distraction or for cultural reasons. Treat per plan and reassess.