ASPMN 2019 Position Statement: Pain Assessment in the Patient Unable to Self-Report

Abstract

Managing pain in those vulnerable populations who are unable to self-report or communicate is challenging due to difficulty recognizing pain presence and severity. As no valid and reliable objective measure of pain exists, the ASPMN supports assessment practice recommendations that gather relevant information to infer presence of pain and evaluate response to intervention. Nurses and other healthcare professionals must be advocates for those who are unable to speak for themselves regarding their pain experience.