1. Training: Nurses should receive training on how to use the VDS effectively, including understanding the nuances of each descriptor. 2. Patient Education: Educating patients on how to use the VDS can improve the accuracy of their pain descriptions. 3. Cultural Sensitivity: Being aware of and sensitive to cultural differences in pain expression can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of the VDS. 4. Documentation: Proper documentation of VDS assessments can help in tracking pain trends and evaluating the effectiveness of pain management interventions.