What are the causes of a pressure ulcer? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Increased agitation is a nonverbal sign of pain, because it indicates that the client is restless, uncomfortable, or distressed by the pain. Agitation can manifest as fidgeting, tossing, turning, moaning, or groaning.

Choice B reason: Decreased attention span is not a nonverbal sign of pain, but rather a cognitive or behavioral sign of pain. Decreased attention span means that the client has difficulty focusing, concentrating, or remembering things, which can be affected by pain. However, decreased attention span is not a direct expression of pain, but rather a consequence of pain.

Choice C reason: Grimacing is a nonverbal sign of pain, because it indicates that the client is experiencing facial muscle tension, contraction, or distortion due to the pain. Grimacing can manifest as frowning, wrinkling the forehead, pursing the lips, or clenching the teeth.

Choice D reason: Reported pain of 5/10 is not a nonverbal sign of pain, but rather a verbal sign of pain. Reported pain of 5/10 means that the client has communicated the intensity of their pain using a numerical scale, which is a subjective and selfreported measure of pain. However, reported pain of 5/10 is not a direct expression of pain, but rather a description of pain.

Choice E reason: Increase in heart rate is a nonverbal sign of pain, because it indicates that the client is experiencing physiological changes due to the pain. Increase in heart rate can manifest as tachycardia, palpitations, or arrhythmias.

Choice A reason: This is not the best intervention because it is timeconsuming and may not be feasible in some situations. Writing down the message can also be impersonal and may not convey the tone or emotion of the speaker. The nurse should use verbal communication as much as possible and supplement it with nonverbal cues, such as gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect intervention because it can be annoying and ineffective. Talking loudly in the impaired ear can cause discomfort and distortion of the sound. It can also damage the remaining hearing in the ear. The nurse should not shout or raise their voice, but rather speak at a normal volume and enunciate clearly.

Choice C reason: This is the best intervention because it enhances the quality and clarity of the verbal message. Speaking slowly and clearly while facing the client allows the client to see the nurse's mouth movements and facial expressions, which can help them understand the words and the meaning. The nurse should also avoid covering their mouth or chewing gum while speaking.

Choice D reason: This is not the best intervention because it can be inconvenient and impractical. Talking in a regular voice in the good ear may require the nurse to move around the client or position themselves in a certain way. It can also make the client feel isolated or singled out. The nurse should try to communicate with the client in a way that is comfortable and respectful for both parties.