A nurse is caring for an 18-month-old infant who is 12 hours postoperative following a myringotomy. Which of the following pain rating scales should the nurse use?

Choice A rationale:
The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale is a pain assessment tool commonly used for infants and young children who cannot verbalize their pain. It assesses different behavioral and physiological indicators of pain, such as facial expressions, leg movement, activity level, crying, and response to consoling. Given that the infant is only 18 months old, this scale is appropriate for evaluating their postoperative pain.
Choice B rationale:
The Color tool is not a recognized pain assessment tool. It's essential to use validated and standardized pain assessment scales, and the Color tool does not fit this criterion.
Choice C rationale:
The Poker Chip Tool is not typically used for pain assessment in infants. It's often used with older children to assess pain intensity using a poker chip set that corresponds to different levels of pain. However, for an 18-month-old infant, behavioral assessments like the FLACC scale would be more suitable.
Choice D rationale:
The Numeric scale involves asking the patient to rate their pain on a numerical scale, often from 0 to 10. However, this scale is not appropriate for an 18-month-old infant who is likely unable to comprehend or use numbers to express their pain. The FLACC scale provides a more comprehensive assessment of pain in non-verbal or preverbal children.

The correct answer is choiceb. Perceives death as a punishment.

Choice A rationale:

Preschool-aged children generally do not understand that death is permanent.They often view death as temporary or reversible, similar to what they see in cartoons.

Choice B rationale:

Preschoolers may perceive death as a punishment for something they did or thought.This age group often feels guilt and shame, believing their actions or thoughts caused the illness or death.

Choice C rationale:

Worrying about physical body changes is more typical in older children who have a better understanding of the physical aspects of illness and death.

Choice D rationale:

Feelings of isolation are more common in older children and adolescents who are more aware of social dynamics and the implications of their illness.