Abstract
Objective: To verify the level of theoretical knowledge of nursing students on pain assessment during risk classification, using the pain rule as a resource. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with students in the last year of the Bachelor of Nursing course at a Brazilian public university. Data were collected between September and November 2016, from a self-answered questionnaire by the students. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed. Results: Most students (75.9%) reported obtaining, during graduation, necessary theoretical knowledge about pain assessment for clinical practice. Among the participants, 62.1% knew the rule of pain and used it at some point during practical activities. The correct pain assessment was directly related to the user's correct risk classification (r = 0.773; p <0.01). Conclusions: The knowledge of nursing students on the use of the pain rule was satisfactory, and most academics assess pain in clinical practice and use instruments in this assessment.