Pain scale, VAMC style
I noticed today, while the nurse was off trying to talk to the doctor about the prescription for Paul's ear drops, that on her file cabinet she had a copy of the pain scale they use there. It's the first really *functionally* broken down scale I've seen yet, and it crossed my mind that it would be good to have here so that when we're talking with them about stuff we're both using the same scale. She very happily made me a copy, and noted that "if it's a ten SHE better be calling me for you." heh.
Copying it over here, so there's no likelihood of my losing it.
10 - Unconscious. Pain makes you pass out.
9 - Unable to speak. Crying out or moaning uncontrollably - near delirium.
8 - Physical activity severely limited. You can read and converse with effort. Nausea and dizziness set in as factors of pain.
7 - Makes it difficult to concentrate - interferes with sleep. You can still function, with effort.
6 - Cannot be ignored for any length of time, but you still go to work and participate in social activities.
5 - Cannot be ignored for more than 30 minutes.
4 - Can be ignored if you are really involved in your work, but still distracting.
3 - Annoying enough to be distracting.
2 - Minor annoyance - occasional strong twinges.
1 - Very minor annoyance - occasional minor twinges.
0 - Pain free.
Copying it over here, so there's no likelihood of my losing it.
10 - Unconscious. Pain makes you pass out.
9 - Unable to speak. Crying out or moaning uncontrollably - near delirium.
8 - Physical activity severely limited. You can read and converse with effort. Nausea and dizziness set in as factors of pain.
7 - Makes it difficult to concentrate - interferes with sleep. You can still function, with effort.
6 - Cannot be ignored for any length of time, but you still go to work and participate in social activities.
5 - Cannot be ignored for more than 30 minutes.
4 - Can be ignored if you are really involved in your work, but still distracting.
3 - Annoying enough to be distracting.
2 - Minor annoyance - occasional strong twinges.
1 - Very minor annoyance - occasional minor twinges.
0 - Pain free.