Facial expressions play a vital role in patient assessment and care. They help nurses to:
1. Assess Pain: Patients may not always verbally communicate their pain levels. By observing grimaces, frowns, or other indicators, nurses can gauge discomfort and take appropriate action. 2. Build Rapport: Smiling and maintaining a friendly demeanor can help in establishing trust and rapport with patients, making them feel more comfortable and cooperative. 3. Identify Anxiety or Depression: Subtle signs like furrowed brows or a lack of eye contact can indicate emotional distress, prompting further psychological assessment and intervention. 4. Evaluate Non-Verbal Patients: For patients who are non-verbal due to conditions like stroke or intubation, facial expressions become a primary mode of communication.
