Evaluating Pain in a Non-Verbal Patient  Last Modified: June 10,
2008  Share article   Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is there
a scale that can be used to evaluate pain in a patient who is
nonverbal or unresponsive and cannot use the traditional number
or face scales?    If a patient is nonresponsive, we generally
assume that he or she is not responding to pain. As for
nonverbal patients, we use a rating of nonverbal indicators and
assess if these indicators are present at rest and/or with
movement (see below). One point is given for each "yes"
response, resulting in a score on a 0-12 scale.    At Rest With
Movement 1. Vocal complaints: Non-verbal (Expression of pain,
not in words, moans, groans, grunts, cries, gasps, sighs) 2.
Facial Grimaces/Winces (Furrowed brow, narrowed eyes, tightened
lips, jaw drop, clenched teeth, distorted expressions) 3.
Bracing (Clutching or holding onto side rails, bed, tray table,
or affected areas during movement) 4. Restlessness (Constant or
intermittent shifting of position,