Read story C27: It hurt when she moved (image and text)
Pain and delirium: when explaining pain is difficult
Irene can’t give a consistent answer about pain, but she grimaces and protects her injured side when moving. Jess tells the team what she has noticed. Pain is assessed and treatment is reviewed. The team balances comfort and medicine effects rather than assuming that either all pain relief is harmful or a quiet person has no pain.
Story text
Panel 1.
- Nurse: Does anything hurt?
- Irene: I don’t know.
Panel 2. Moving tells a different story.
Panel 3.
- Jess: She pulls away and tightens up whenever she moves.
Panel 4.
- Nurse: She may not be able to explain the pain clearly.
Panel 5. Pain relief is adjusted and checked carefully.
Panel 6.
- Physiotherapist: She is more comfortable. We’ll work at her pace.
Bottom band. Pain may show in movement or expression. Tell the team what you notice.