Which of the following is a barrier to effective pain management?

A. A history of substance use disorder can be a barrier to effective pain management because clients may underreport pain, fear addiction, or experience stigma, and clinicians may underprescribe analgesics due to concern about misuse. Recognizing this barrier is important to provide balanced, safe, and effective pain control. B. Clear communication facilitates accurate pain assessment and is not a barrier; it supports effective pain management. C. Using a standardized pain scale helps quantify pain and track response to interventions, improving management rather than hindering it. D. A client’s willingness to communicate pain levels is essential for effective assessment and is not a barrier; it enhances the nurse’s ability to provide appropriate interventions.