Which statement best describes the FLACC scale?

Which statement best describes the FLACC scale?

• A. It is used to assess pain in preverbal children by evaluating five categories.
• B. It measures pain on a numeric 0-10 scale.
• C. It relies on self-report from the child.
• D. It requires a digital thermometer reading.

Answer: (A)

The FLACC scale is an observational pain assessment tool for preverbal or nonverbal children. It evaluates five indicators—Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability—and scores each from 0 to 2. Adding these scores yields a total pain score from 0 to 10. Because it relies on visible cues and behaviors rather than the child’s words, it’s ideal when self-report isn’t possible. It doesn’t depend on asking the child to describe pain, nor does it require a thermometer.

The FLACC scale is an observational pain assessment tool for preverbal or nonverbal children. It evaluates five indicators—Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability—and scores each from 0 to 2. Adding these scores yields a total pain score from 0 to 10. Because it relies on visible cues and behaviors rather than the child’s words, it’s ideal when self-report isn’t possible. It doesn’t depend on asking the child to describe pain, nor does it require a thermometer.