Which are common nonverbal indicators of pain in residents who cannot express verbally?

• A. Facial grimacing, restlessness, vocalizations.
• B. Smiling and nodding.
• C. Quiet breathing.
• D. Increased appetite.

Answer: (A)

When someone can’t express pain in words, you rely on observable cues to tell if they’re uncomfortable. Common nonverbal indicators include facial expressions like grimacing or frowning, which show distress; restlessness or guarding a body area, which suggests they’re avoiding movement or touching that hurts; and vocalizations such as groaning, moaning, or sighing, which communicate discomfort without words. These signals are key because they provide a way to recognize and respond to pain quickly, guiding you to pause activities, check their comfort, and implement or adjust relief measures as trained.

Smiling and nodding usually show comfort or agreement, not pain. Quiet breathing by itself isn’t a reliable sign of pain and can be normal or unrelated. Increased appetite is not a pain cue and typically suggests other factors; pain often leads to reduced appetite rather than an increase.