Assessment is a crucial step in implementing effective comfort measures. Nurses typically use various methods to evaluate a patient's comfort needs:
1. Pain Scales: Tools like the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) or Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to gauge pain intensity. 2. Observation: Monitoring signs of discomfort such as grimacing, restlessness, or changes in vital signs. 3. Patient Interviews: Directly asking the patient about their pain, discomfort, and emotional state. 4. Family Input: Gathering information from family members who may provide insights into the patient's needs and preferences.
