Signs and Symptoms: Patient

statement of pain 8 on a 1-10 scale.

Acute pain related to distension of the

appendix by inflammatory process

Patient will report pain of less than 5 on a

scale of 1-10 by the end of shift.

Nurse will asses

characteristics of pain Nurse will apply heat
including sources of or cold as prescribed
relief and to minimize or relieve
aggravating/alleviating pain.
factors

Nurse will teach Nurse will provide extra

patient relaxation pillows and help splint
techniques such as painful areas as
meditation and deep appropriate
breathing exercises.
Nurse will
encourage patient
to engage in
distracting
activities such as
conversation or 1: Assessing pain is the first step in planning pain management
reading and determining realistic goals.
Evaluation: Patient stated pain of 4 by the
end of shift, so goal was met. Patient was 2: Purposeful relaxation aids promote sleep,

engaged in conversation about his life as a 3: Distraction helps focus on non-pain related matters
coal miner almost the entire shift to distract
4: Splinting and supporting painful areas reduces muscle
from the pain. Health Assessment & Communication
spasms and redistributes pressure on body parts
N211

5: Heat and cold can minimize or relieve pain and swelling.