Answer :
Final answer:
In the secondary assessment of a patient, distinguishing between pain and tenderness is crucial. Pain is a subjective experience reported by the patient, while tenderness is an objective finding determined by the healthcare provider upon examination.
Explanation:
In the secondary assessment, checking a patient from head to foot involves distinguishing between pain and tenderness. Pain is a subjective experience that the patient feels and reports, often described in terms of its intensity, quality (sharp, dull, aching, etc.), and duration. It is a symptom that cannot be objectively measured but can be quantified through scales like the Wong-Baker Faces pain-rating scale, which asks patients to rate their pain on a scale of 0-10.
Tenderness, on the other hand, is a response to palpation or pressure applied by the examiner during the physical examination. It is identified when the patient expresses discomfort or pain in response to external pressure, indicating sensitivity in a specific area. This distinction is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, as it helps healthcare providers understand both the patient's subjective experience of pain and the objective findings that corroborate these experiences.
