A nurse is providing care to an infant who is unable to communicate verbally.
Which pain assessment tool would be most suitable for this infant?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should not state that the FLACC Scale is the best pain assessment tool for all children because pain assessment tools should be age-appropriate.

The FLACC Scale is typically used for infants and young children who cannot effectively communicate their pain verbally.

It assesses facial expression, leg movement, activity, cry, and consolability.

However, it may not be suitable for older children who can use self-reporting pain scales.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer.

The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale is designed for children aged 3 years and older.

It uses a series of faces to represent different levels of pain intensity, making it a useful tool for children who may not be able to describe their pain in words.

The scale is widely recognized and accepted for this age group.

Choice C rationale:

The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is typically used for older children and adults.

It requires the child to assign a numerical value to their pain, usually on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 representing no pain and 10 being the worst pain possible.

It may not be the best choice for younger children, especially those under the age of 5, as they may have difficulty using numbers to describe their pain.

Choice D rationale:

The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a pain assessment tool that requires a child to mark their pain level on a line, with one end indicating no pain and the other end indicating the worst pain imaginable.

It is often used for older children and adults.

Children aged 8 years and older may be able to use the VAS effectively, but it may not be the best choice for younger children, as it requires the ability to understand and use a visual representation of pain.

Choice A rationale:

If the child rates their pain as 3 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), this numerical value represents mild pain.

The NRS typically uses a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating the worst pain imaginable.

A rating of 3 falls on the lower end of the scale, signifying mild discomfort or pain.

Choice B rationale:

An NRS rating of 3 is not considered moderate pain.

It is more in the range of mild pain.

Moderate pain would typically be rated higher on the scale, such as 4 to 6.

Choice C rationale:

An NRS rating of 3 is not indicative of severe pain.

Severe pain would typically be rated much higher on the scale, around 7 or higher.

Choice D rationale:

An NRS rating of 3 does not represent no pain.

It indicates the presence of pain, albeit at a relatively mild level.

A rating of 0 on the NRS would signify the absence of pain.