What is a common indication that a patient is experiencing pain?

Facial grimacing or moaning is a common indication that a patient is experiencing pain because these physical expressions or vocalizations are often involuntary reactions to discomfort. When individuals are in pain, they may not have control over how their face expresses their distress, which can include frowning, clenching the jaw, or grimacing. Similarly, moaning is a sound that can indicate an inability to articulate pain verbally or simply convey their suffering. These behaviors serve as non-verbal cues to caregivers, helping them recognize that the patient is likely in pain and may need intervention or further assessment.

In contrast, increased appetite typically suggests well-being or comfort, not pain. A calm demeanor generally indicates that the patient is not distressed or in discomfort. Additionally, warm skin can be influenced by various factors, such as fever or illness, and does not specifically indicate the presence of pain. Thus, facial expressions and vocalizations are among the clearest signals indicating that a patient may be in pain.