What are the common signs that a resident may be in pain?

Facial grimacing and restlessness are well-established indicators that a resident may be experiencing pain. When individuals are in discomfort, their nonverbal cues can often speak volumes about their emotional and physical state. Grimacing involves making facial expressions that indicate distress—such as frowning, clenching the teeth, or furrowing the brow—while restlessness may manifest as an inability to stay still, frequently changing positions, or fidgeting. These behaviors signal that the resident may be trying to alleviate their pain or is otherwise struggling with it.

The other choices do not typically indicate pain as definitively. A lack of verbal communication could be due to various factors, including cognitive impairment or communication barriers, rather than indicating an absence of pain. Consistently being still might suggest comfort rather than pain, and excessive sleeping can be linked to numerous health issues or medication effects rather than solely pain. Hence, observing facial expressions and mobility can provide clearer insights into a resident's pain levels.