A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant who is postoperative following a myringotomy. Which of the following pain scales should the nurse use to determine the infant's pain level?

Choice A: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is usually given at 2 months of age, not 2 weeks. The DTaP vaccine protects against three serious bacterial diseases that can cause respiratory infections, nerve damage, or death. The DTaP vaccine is given in five doses at 2, 4, 6, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years of age.

Choice B: This information is correct, as the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is usually given within 24 hours of birth or prior to discharge from the hospital. The hepatitis B vaccine protects against a viral infection that can cause liver inflammation, cirrhosis, or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in three doses at birth, 1 to 2 months, and 6 to 18 months of age.

Choice C: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is usually given at 12 to 15 months of age, not 6 months. The MMR vaccine protects against three viral diseases that can cause fever, rash, swelling of glands, or complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or deafness. The MMR vaccine is given in two doses at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years of age.

Choice D: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine is usually given at 2 months of age, not on the first birthday. The PCV13 vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis. The PCV13 vaccine is given in four doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age.

Choice A: The Oucher pain scale is not suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for children aged 3 to 13 years who can point to pictures of faces that match their pain level. A 6-month-old infant cannot communicate verbally or point to pictures.

Choice B: The FLACC pain scale is suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for infants and children aged 2 months to 7 years who cannot verbalize their pain. The FLACC pain scale assesses five behavioral indicators of pain: face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability. Each indicator is scored from 0 to 2 based on the observation of the nurse. The total score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more pain.

Choice C: The FACES pain scale is not suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for children aged 3 years and older who can select a face that matches their pain level. A 6-month-old infant cannot communicate verbally or select a face.

Choice D: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is not suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for adults and older children who can mark a point on a line that represents their pain level. A 6-month-old infant cannot communicate verbally or mark a point on a line.