1-characteristics Of Pain.docx

CHARACTERISTICS OF PAIN  Anatomical location where the pain is felt- the patient should be asked to point to the area affected. He should be asked whether the pain is deep or superficial.  Origin and mode of onset- the onset may be spontaneous or it may be triggered by certain activities or stimulus.  Intensity of pain- intensity should be established by differentiating between mild and severe pain.  Nature of pain- the general quality of pain should be classified as how it makes the patient feel.  Progression of pain- the progression of pain should be noted.  Duration of pain- A pain is said to be momentary if it is expressed in seconds. The pain that continues from one day to next is said to be protracted.  Movement of pain- radiation of pain, referred pain and shifting or migration of pain. 

Localization behavior- determination of pain localization should be made in the description of the behavior. This include whether pain is localized or diffuse, radiating or spreading and enlarging or migrating.

 SOCRATES is a mnemonic used by health professionals to evaluate the nature of pain S O C R A T

SOCRATES Site Onset Character Radiation Associations Time course

Where is the pain? When did the pain start, and was it sudden or gradual? What is the pain like? An ache? Stabbing? Does the pain radiate anywhere? Any other signs or symptoms associated with the pain? Does the pain follow any pattern?

E S

Exacerbating/Relieving factors Severity

Does anything change the pain? How bad is the pain?