What is a primary action when a patient's pain levels have increased?

When a patient's pain levels have increased, the primary action is to assess and address the pain promptly. This approach is crucial because managing pain is a fundamental aspect of patient care. Prompt assessment involves asking the patient about their pain intensity, quality, location, and any factors that may have contributed to its increase. This assessment helps determine the most effective intervention to alleviate the patient's discomfort.

Addressing the pain can involve administering pain relief medications, adjusting patient positioning, or utilizing other non-pharmacological strategies. By prioritizing assessment and response to pain, healthcare providers can enhance patient comfort, promote healing, and improve overall satisfaction with care.

The other actions listed may have their place in overall patient care but do not address the immediate need of managing increased pain effectively. Documentation is essential but comes after the assessment and intervention. Restricting movements may not be appropriate unless specifically required for safety or prevention of further injury. Holding medications could lead to unmanaged pain and further distress for the patient. Therefore, the comprehensive approach of assessing and addressing pain promptly is essential for effective pain management.