Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 82%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child following an orthopedic procedure. When assessing the child for pain, which of the following pain scales should the nurse use?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: FACES. This is because the FACES pain scale is specifically designed for children aged 3 and older, making it appropriate for a 4-year-old. The scale uses facial expressions to help the child express their level of pain, which is easier for young children to understand and communicate. The other options are not suitable for a 4-year-old child: Numeric scales may be too abstract, CRIES scale is used for infants, and Word Graphic scale may be too complex for a young child to comprehend. Using the FACES pain scale will allow the nurse to accurately assess and manage the child's pain effectively.