To effectively address physical comfort, nurses must employ a comprehensive assessment approach. This includes:
- Pain Assessment: Using standardized pain scales like the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) or the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale to gauge the patient's pain level. - Mobility Assessment: Evaluating the patient's ability to move and identifying any restrictions or discomforts associated with movement. - Skin Integrity Assessment: Checking for signs of pressure sores, rashes, or other skin conditions that may cause discomfort. - Sleep Assessment: Ensuring the patient is getting adequate rest and identifying any factors that may be disrupting their sleep.