What is the primary reason the nurse asks a patient to rate her current pain level after a back massage?

The primary reason for asking a patient to rate her current pain level after a back massage is to evaluate the effectiveness of the massage in relieving pain. This assessment allows the nurse to understand how well the intervention has worked in reducing discomfort and to gauge the patient's response to the treatment.

By receiving feedback on the patient's pain level, the nurse can gather valuable information that informs future care decisions. If the patient reports a decrease in pain, it may suggest that the massage was beneficial and can help guide the frequency and modality of further treatment. Conversely, if the patient experiences little to no change or an increase in pain, the healthcare team may need to reconsider their approach or explore alternative pain management strategies.

This focus on pain assessment post-intervention is crucial in providing patient-centered care, as it empowers the patient to communicate their needs and enhances the overall efficacy of therapeutic interventions.