The nurse is caring for a patient who denies having any pain.The nurse notes that the patient is restless and the patient's hands are tightly clenched.The nurse also heard the patient moaning before walking into the room.What will the nurse take into consideration as the patient assessment is completed?

A) Unclear communication techniques
B) Unrealistic patient expectations
C) Inappropriate empathic response
D) Conflicting assessment findings

The patient's report of pain may not accurately reflect the discomfort that the patient is experiencing.The nurse assesses the patient's nonverbal behavior to determine the patient's comfort level in addition to the patient's subjective report of pain.There is nothing in the scenario to suggest that the patient has unrealistic expectations or that the nurse used unclear communication techniques.Empathy is the nurse's appreciation of the patient's pain experience rather than the assessment of the patient's present level of discomfort.