Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The FLACC scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is specifically designed for use with non-verbal children or those who may have difficulty communicating their pain levels. This scale provides a systematic approach to pain assessment by evaluating observable behaviors associated with pain.

The FLACC scale consists of five categories, each of which is scored from 0 to 2, allowing healthcare providers to assess a range of behaviors and physiological responses. By assessing facial expressions, leg movement, overall activity level, crying, and the child's ability to be consoled, clinicians can gain valuable insight into the child’s pain experience, even if they are unable to express it verbally. This comprehensive approach is particularly useful in pediatric emergency settings where quick and accurate pain assessment is crucial.

In contrast, other tools like the Wong-Baker Faces Scale or the Numeric Rating Scale are more appropriate for older children who can understand and use these methods to express their pain. The Visual Analog Scale also requires some level of comprehension and communication skills, making it unsuitable for non-verbal children. The FLACC scale’s design and focus on observable behaviors make it the best choice for effectively assessing pain in younger or non-verbal patients.