What should you do if a resident is showing signs of pain?

When a resident is showing signs of pain, assessing the pain and reporting it to the nurse is the most appropriate course of action. This approach is critical because pain management is an essential aspect of providing quality care. By assessing the pain, you can gather important information regarding its location, intensity, duration, and triggers, which aids in understanding the resident's condition more comprehensively.

Reporting your findings to the nurse ensures that the resident receives timely medical attention, which may involve administering pain relief or further evaluating the underlying cause of the pain. Effective communication within the caregiving team is vital for the health and comfort of the resident, and prompt action can significantly improve their quality of life.

Ignoring the signs of pain, suggesting that the resident wait for a future doctor's visit, or providing reassurance without taking action disregards the resident's immediate needs and can lead to unnecessary suffering. Pain should always be taken seriously and addressed promptly in any caregiving environment.