What should the nurse assess to differentiate between somatic and visceral pain?

To differentiate between somatic and visceral pain, the nurse should focus on the location and quality of the pain. Somatic pain typically arises from body structures such as skin, muscles, and bones, and is usually well localized, sharp, or aching in quality. In contrast, visceral pain originates from internal organs; it is often diffuse, poorly localized, and characterized by a deep, cramping, or squeezing sensation.

Understanding the location and quality of the pain is essential for a proper assessment. For instance, localized pain in the abdominal area might suggest somatic pain from a specific structure, while generalized pain across the abdomen could indicate visceral pain from the internal organs, such as the stomach or intestines. This distinction helps guide further diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

The other options do not provide the necessary information to distinguish between these types of pain. The client’s age and background, the time of day pain occurs, and the client’s previous medical history might offer relevant information but are not as directly indicative of the type of pain being experienced.