When a client reports pain, which action should you take first?

• A. Assess intensity, location, and duration; document findings; implement comfort measures within scope; report persistent or escalating pain
• B. Administer analgesic immediately
• C. Ignore pain unless requested by family
• D. Notify family only

Answer: (A)

The first step in addressing a client’s pain is to gather a thorough pain assessment and document it before taking further action. Start by asking the client to rate their pain on a standard scale, and collect details about intensity, location, onset, duration, quality, and any factors that worsen or relieve it. This helps you understand the pain pattern and informs what to do next. After collecting this information, document the findings clearly so the care team has a record to track changes over time. Then apply any comfort measures within your scope of practice—such as repositioning, environmental adjustments, or nonpharmacologic techniques—and reassess to see if the pain changes. If pain remains high or worsens, escalate to the appropriate clinician for orders or further evaluation.

Administering analgesics right away without an order or a plan isn’t appropriate because treatment must be guided by an assessment and proper authorization. Ignoring the pain or handling it only by informing the family fails to address the client’s immediate comfort. Notifying family alone also doesn’t treat or document the client’s pain or ensure timely care.