Due to the subjective nature and the individual perceptions of pain, it is important that it is accurately assessed and measured if the full complexities of the symptom are to be understood. Ingham and portenoy argue that symptom measurement attempts to quantify aspect of perceptions of pain in a manner that is valid and reliable. There are many validated, multidimensional instrument that can be used to measure pain. The brief pain Questionnaire and the McGill Pain Questionnaire are two examples of extensively validated instrument for use in the assessment of pain. However, there is evidence that nurses are not up to date in their education or practice regarding pain assessment and that there is a lack of utilization of research findings in their practice.