A nurse is evaluating a patient’s pain level. What scale is commonly used for this assessment?

The visual analog scale is commonly used for assessing a patient's pain level because it provides a simple yet effective means of quantifying subjective experiences of pain. This scale typically involves a straight line, often 10 cm in length, where one end represents "no pain" and the other end indicates "worst pain imaginable." Patients mark a point on the line that corresponds to their pain intensity, allowing healthcare providers to easily gauge and communicate the level of pain experienced by the patient.

In contrast to the visual analog scale, other scales listed serve different purposes. The Glasgow Coma Scale is used to assess a patient's level of consciousness and neurological function. The Braden Scale evaluates a patient's risk for developing pressure ulcers based on sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction. The Apgar Score is a quick test performed on newborns at one and five minutes after birth to evaluate their physical condition and determine any immediate need for extra medical or emergency care. Each of these scales is critical in their respective assessments but does not directly measure pain in patients like the visual analog scale does.