A client reports pain in his left ankle since “twisting it” yesterday.

A client reports pain in his left ankle since “twisting it” yesterday. Which of the following as-sessment findings best supports the client’s claims of ankle pain?

1. The client grimaces when walking to the examination room.
2. The client’s left ankle is swollen with noted bruising.
3. The client reports a pain rating of 7 on a scale of 1 to 10.
4. The client’s heart rate increases after walking to the examination room.

ANSWER

ANS: 2
A subsequent physical assessment can reveal information that refutes, confirms, or supplements the history. Think critically about the information the client provides, apply knowledge from pre-vious clinical care, and methodically conduct the examination to create a clear picture of the cli-ent’s status. The objective signs of swelling and bruising best support the possible spraining of the ankle and the resulting claim of pain. The increase in heart rate is subjective but can be a re-sult of various factors, pain being only one. The remaining options reflect objective data.