16 Pain Assessment Observations in Cognitively Impaired

Observation Characteristics
Facial Expression frown, fright, grimace, forehead wrinkle, rapid blinking
Vocalizations sigh, moan, groan, grunt, chant, call out, noisy breathing, ask for help, verbally abusive
Body Movements rigid, tense, guarded, fidget, pace, rock, restricted movement; altered gait, mobility
Change in Interpersonal Interaction aggressive, combative, decreased interaction, inappropriate, disruptive, withdrawn
Change in Activity Pattern or Routines refuse food, appetite change, increased resting, change in sleep pattern, stop routines, wandering
Mental Status Changes crying/tears, confusion, irritable, distressed

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Reference Notes for Palliative Care Consultation Copyright © 2018 by Robert F. Johnson MD, MEd is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book