Which assessment is a nonverbal sign of pain? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: A decreased level of rheumatoid factor is not seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that is produced by the immune system and can bind to other antibodies. A high level of rheumatoid factor indicates an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Choice B reason: A negative rheumatoid factor is not seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. A negative rheumatoid factor means that the antibody is not detected in the blood. A negative rheumatoid factor does not rule out rheumatoid arthritis, but it may suggest a different type of arthritis or another condition.

Choice C reason: A positive rheumatoid factor is seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. A positive rheumatoid factor means that the antibody is detected in the blood. A positive rheumatoid factor is more likely to occur in clients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially during a flareup of the disease.

Choice D reason: Factor does not change is not seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor can vary over time and may change depending on the activity of the disease. Rheumatoid factor may increase during a flareup and decrease during remission.

Choice A reason: Sensory perception is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client can respond to pressurerelated discomfort or pain. Sensory perception can be affected by factors such as level of consciousness, spinal cord injury, or neuropathy. Sensory perception can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as clients with impaired sensory perception may not be able to feel or report the pressure, or change their position to relieve the pressure.

Choice B reason: Age is not one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it is not a direct or independent predictor of pressure injury risk. Age is a demographic variable that can be associated with other factors that affect the risk of pressure injuries, such as skin condition, mobility, or comorbidities. However, age itself is not a factor that is measured or scored in the Braden Scale assessment.

Choice C reason: Friction and shear is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client's skin is exposed to rubbing or sliding forces. Friction and shear can be affected by factors such as bed linens, transfers, or repositioning. Friction and shear can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as they can damage the skin and underlying tissues, or reduce the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin and tissues.

Choice D reason: Nutrition is one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it measures the degree to which the client's intake of food and fluids meets the body's needs. Nutrition can be affected by factors such as appetite, dentition, or swallowing. Nutrition can influence the risk of pressure injuries, as it can affect the skin integrity, wound healing, and immune function of the client.

Choice E reason: Mental state is not one of the six subscales that will be utilized in a Braden Scale assessment, because it is not a direct or independent predictor of pressure injury risk. Mental state is a psychological variable that can be associated with other factors that affect the risk of pressure injuries, such as sensory perception, mobility, or activity. However, mental state itself is not a factor that is measured or scored in the Braden Scale assessment.