A client with a pain disorder is learning progressive relaxation. Which statement indicates the goal of progressive relaxation was attained?

A client with a pain disorder is learning progressive relaxation. Which statement indicates the goal of progressive relaxation was attained?

• A. My pain is worse, but I feel relaxed.
• B. My pain is better, and now I feel relaxed.
• C. I still feel pain, but I am calm.
• D. I am sleepy.

Answer: (B)

Progressive relaxation aims to reduce muscle tension and overall arousal, which often leads to less pain and a calm, relaxed state. The best indicator that this goal has been attained is when the client experiences both an improvement in pain and a genuine sense of relaxation. That combination shows the technique is effectively lowering tension and mitigating pain perception. If pain remains the same or worsens, or if the person is merely calm without any change in pain, the technique isn’t achieving its intended effect. Sleepiness is not the target outcome, even though relaxation can feel drowsy for some.

Progressive relaxation aims to reduce muscle tension and overall arousal, which often leads to less pain and a calm, relaxed state. The best indicator that this goal has been attained is when the client experiences both an improvement in pain and a genuine sense of relaxation. That combination shows the technique is effectively lowering tension and mitigating pain perception. If pain remains the same or worsens, or if the person is merely calm without any change in pain, the technique isn’t achieving its intended effect. Sleepiness is not the target outcome, even though relaxation can feel drowsy for some.