MEASURING PAIN VAS (VISUAL ANALOGUE SCALE)

Question 1

What is the VAS?

Answer 1

• A pain asssesment scale.

Question 2

How is pain measured by the VAS?

Answer 2

• Pain is measured on a continum from no pain to extreme pain.

Question 3

How is the VAS usually represented?

Answer 3

A 100mm straight line

Question 4

How is the VAS used?

Answer 4

1. The patient marks on the line where best represents their pain.
2. This mark is converted to a numerical value.
3. By measuring between the patients mark and the start of the scale.

1) Mark pain 2) Coverted to numerical value 3) Meauring

Question 5

What is the VAS? (full definition)

Answer 5

• A pain-assessment SCALE.
• That assesses pain on a continum from no pain to extreme pain.
• It requires patients to mark their pain level on the line which is coverted to a numerical value.

Question 6

Name 1 strength of the VAS

Answer 6

• Quick assessment
• Can be adminstered in a short amount of time.

Question 7

Name 1 weakness of the VAS

Answer 7

• Limited scope
• ONLY measures pain intensity.
• Without capturing other dimentions of pain such as quality and emotional impact.

Question 8

Name 1 strength and weakness of the VAS

Answer 8

• Strength= Quick assessment
• Weakness= Limited scope