Page 26 - AACN Essentials of Critical-Care Nursing Pocket Handbook, Second Edition

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Sample Questions How and under what circumstances did it begin? Was the onset sudden or gradual? Did it progress? Where is it? Does it stay in the same place or does it radiate or move around? Rank pain on a scale (numeric, word description, FAC
Identification of Symptom Characteristics

How often does it occur? Is it dull, sharp, burning, throbbing, etc? How long does it last? What are you doing when it happens? What things make it worse? What things make it better

Characteristic Associated findings Aggravating and alleviating factors
2.5 Onset Location Frequency Quality Intensity Quantity Setting