A nurse is teaching a group of parents about pain assessment in children.
The nurse explains the importance of using age-appropriate pain assessment tools and scales.
The nurse also discusses the different types of pain assessment tools and scales available.
Which of the following statements by the nurse is accurate?

"The FLACC Scale is the best pain assessment tool for all children.”..

"The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale is the best pain assessment tool for children aged 3 years and older.”..

"The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is the best pain assessment tool for children aged 5 years and older.”..

"The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is the best pain assessment tool for children aged 8 years and older.”..

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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.

A. "The child is probably just tired. They'll be fine in a little while.”.. B. "We need to give the child some pain medication right away.”.. C. "The child is in a lot of pain. We need to do everything we can to help them feel better.”.. D. "The child is probably just scared. There's no need to worry.”..

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Assuming the child is tired and will be fine in a little while is not appropriate when the child has a high pain score.

It's important to address the child's pain promptly.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice.

When a non-verbal child with difficulty breathing scores high on the FLACC Scale, it indicates significant pain.

Administering pain medication promptly is necessary.

Choice C rationale:

Acknowledging the child's pain and expressing a commitment to help them feel better is a good approach, but it doesn't address the urgency of the situation.

The child's high pain score requires immediate action.

Choice D rationale:

Assuming the child is scared and there's no need to worry is not appropriate when the child has a high pain score.

Pain needs to be managed effectively.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client brings in their 6-year-old child to the emergency department.The nurse decides to assess the child's pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)If the child rates their pain as 3 on the scale, what does this numerical value represent regarding the child's pain intensity?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A 3-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The child is non-verbal and has difficulty breathing. The nurse uses the FLACC Scale to assess the child's pain. The child scores a 9/10 on the FLACC Scale. Which of the following statements by the patient is appropriate?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is educating the parents of an 8-year-old child on using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain assessment.The child marks a point close to "worst pain imaginable" on the scale.What does this indicate about the child's pain intensity?

A client has a cognitive impairment and is unable to comprehend pain scales effectively.Which pain assessment tool would be most appropriate for this client?

A client asks a nurse about the normal range for the FLACC Scale and Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale when assessing their infant’s and older child’s pain respectively. How should the nurse respond?

A nurse is assessing the pain level of a 10-year-old child who is able to understand and communicate effectively.Which pain assessment tool would be most suitable for this child?

A 5-year-old child presents to the emergency department with a right arm fracture. The child is crying and restless. The nurse uses the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to assess the child's pain. The child rates their pain as an 8/10. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?

A nurse is assessing the pain level of a 4-year-old child who has undergone a surgical procedure.Which pain assessment tool would be most appropriate for this child?

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?

A nurse is educating a group of nursing students about pediatric pain assessment tools and scales.Which of the following should be included in the teaching? (Select all that apply)