Which statement describes the PAINAD tool for dementia care?

Which statement describes the PAINAD tool for dementia care?

• A. Used to assess pain in residents with dementia through observation of behaviors.
• B. A blood pressure measurement tool.
• C. A saliva test.
• D. An imaging test.

Answer: (A)

Pain assessment in advanced dementia relies on observing nonverbal signals because residents may not be able to verbalize pain. The PAINAD tool is designed for this by watching and rating specific behaviors such as breathing, vocalization, facial expression, body language, and how easily the person can be consoled. This observation-based approach provides a way to gauge pain level and guide treatment when self-report isn’t possible. It isn’t a blood pressure measurement, a saliva test, or an imaging test.

Pain assessment in advanced dementia relies on observing nonverbal signals because residents may not be able to verbalize pain. The PAINAD tool is designed for this by watching and rating specific behaviors such as breathing, vocalization, facial expression, body language, and how easily the person can be consoled. This observation-based approach provides a way to gauge pain level and guide treatment when self-report isn’t possible. It isn’t a blood pressure measurement, a saliva test, or an imaging test.