A nurse in a pediatric unit is planning care for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to use the Crying, Requires oxygen, Increased vital signs, Expression, Sleeplessness (CRIES) pain scale?

Choice A reason: The FACES pain scale is commonly used for children who are able to select a face that best describes their pain. However, this scale is not suitable for a 6-month-old infant post-myringotomy, as infants of this age cannot verbally communicate or reliably choose a face to represent their pain level.

Choice B reason: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is typically used for older children and adults who can understand and indicate their level of pain by marking a point on a line. This scale is not appropriate for infants due to their developmental stage and inability to communicate or understand the concept of the scale.

Choice C reason: The Oucher pain scale includes both a photographic scale with pictures of children's faces showing different levels of pain and a numerical scale. While it is designed for children aged 3 to 12 years, it is not suitable for infants, as they cannot verbally express their pain or point to a photograph to indicate their pain level.

Choice D reason: The FLACC scale, which stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability, is an appropriate choice for assessing pain in infants and young children who are non-verbal. It involves observing specific behaviors and assigning a score from 0 to 2 for each category, resulting in a total score between 0 and 10. This observational tool allows healthcare providers to assess pain levels based on the infant's behavior and physiological responses.

Choice A reason: Going to bed and waking up at the same times each day is a recommended practice for good sleep hygiene. It helps to regulate the body's internal clock and can improve sleep quality.

Choice B reason: Watching television until falling asleep is not recommended for healthful sleep habits. The light emitted from screens can interfere with the body's production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, and can make it more difficult to fall asleep.

Choice C reason: Avoiding naps, especially in the afternoon or evening, can help ensure that a person is sufficiently tired at bedtime, which can improve the ability to fall asleep and maintain sleep throughout the night.

Choice D reason: Having a small snack and taking a bath before bed can be part of a relaxing bedtime routine. A light snack can prevent hunger from disrupting sleep, and a warm bath can help to relax the body and signal that it's time to wind down.