What signs may suggest that a patient is in pain?

The signs that suggest a patient is in pain often manifest through observable behaviors and physiological responses. Restlessness and moaning are classic indicators of discomfort or pain in a patient. When individuals are experiencing pain, they may exhibit agitation or inability to find a comfortable position, resulting in restlessness. Moaning can also be an involuntary response to pain, as it may indicate an attempt to vocalize discomfort or distress.

In contrast, increased appetite typically suggests well-being and alleviation of distress, which is not indicative of pain. Smiling and engaging in conversation can reflect a person's overall emotional state and does not necessarily correlate with the experience of pain; patients can smile even when in discomfort for various reasons, such as social pressure or attempts to mask their feelings. Stable vital signs usually indicate that the patient is physiologically stable and not experiencing acute distress, making it an unreliable sign of pain. Thus, behaviors such as restlessness and moaning are more reliable indicators of pain and discomfort in a patient.