SHADOW HEALTH FOCUSED EXAM
ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | Shadow Health
Pain Assessment | Verified Q&A | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Pain Assessment Interview (Questions 1–10)
Q1: The nurse begins the assessment by asking Tanner to describe his pain. Tanner states, "It feels like a
knife is stabbing me right where they took my appendix out." Which component of the PQRST
mnemonic is the nurse assessing?
A. Provocation/Palliation
B. Quality
C. Region/Radiation
D. Severity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient is using a descriptor ("knife is stabbing me") to describe the character or nature of
the pain, which defines the Quality. Option A focuses on what causes or relieves the pain. Option C
focuses on the location. Option D focuses on the intensity score.
Q2: When asked about the severity of his pain, Tanner rates it as a 7 on a scale of 0 to 10. How should
the nurse interpret this rating according to clinical guidelines?
A. Mild pain; non-pharmacological interventions are sufficient.
B. Moderate pain; combination therapy (opioid and non-opioid) is typically indicated.
C. Severe pain; opioid analgesics are typically indicated.
,D. Exaggerated pain; the patient is likely malingering.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A pain scale rating of 7–10 is classified as severe pain, which usually requires opioid analgesics
for effective management in a post-operative setting. Option A applies to ratings of 1–3. Option B
applies to ratings of 4–6. Option D is an inappropriate judgment; pain is subjective and should be
accepted as reported.
Q3: Tanner mentions, "The pain gets way worse when I cough or try to move." Which aspect of the
PQRST assessment is being addressed?
A. Provocation/Palliation
B. Quality
C. Timing
D. Region
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient is identifying factors that aggravate (provoke) the pain. Option B describes the
sensation. Option C describes duration/frequency. Option D describes location.
Q4: Transcript Excerpt:
Nurse: "Does the pain move anywhere else?"
Tanner: "No, it stays right in my lower right side."
Based on this interaction, what is the most appropriate follow-up question to complete the 'R'
component of PQRST?
A. "Does the pain feel sharp or dull?"
B. "On a scale of 0-10, how bad is it now?"
C. "Can you point to the exact spot with one finger?"
D. "When did the pain first start?"
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking the patient to point to the exact spot clarifies the specific Region. Option A assesses
Quality. Option B assesses Severity. Option D assesses Timing.
Q5: Tanner explains that his pain is "constant, but it spikes when I move." How should the nurse
document the pattern of this pain?
A. Intermittent pain.
B. Idiopathic pain.
C. Breakthrough pain on a background of persistent pain.
D. Phantom pain.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Constant baseline pain with superimposed episodes of increased intensity (spikes) is
characteristic of persistent pain with breakthrough pain. Option A describes pain that comes and goes
entirely. Option B implies an unknown cause. Option D refers to pain in a missing limb.
Q6: Which statement by the nurse best demonstrates the principle of "Pain as the 5th Vital Sign" during
the initial interview with Tanner?
A. "I need to check your blood pressure and temperature now."
B. "I see you are in pain, but we have to finish the assessment first."
C. "I am going to assess your pain level now along with your other vital signs."
D. "The doctor will be here soon to talk about your pain."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This statement integrates pain assessment into the routine vital sign check, acknowledging it
as a standard of care equal to other vitals. Options A and B minimize the patient's pain report. Option D
delays necessary assessment and intervention.