Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CNA Practice Questions and Study Guide

Facial grimacing is indeed a non-verbal sign of pain. It is an important indicator that can help nursing assistants and other healthcare providers assess a patient's discomfort without relying on verbal communication. When a person is in pain, their facial expressions might include tightening of the facial muscles, furrowing of the brow, or a grimace, all of which signal distress. This can be particularly valuable in cases where patients cannot express their pain verbally, such as those who are nonverbal or in altered mental states.

Yelling loudly and jumping up and down are verbal and physical expressions, respectively, that might indicate discomfort but are not subtle or non-verbal signs. Clapping hands tends to signify positive emotions or excitement rather than pain, making it an inappropriate choice for identifying pain signals. Recognizing non-verbal cues like facial grimacing is critical for effectively managing patient care and ensuring that they receive appropriate interventions for their pain.