How does the nurse assess Bridgett's pain using the FLACC scale?

The FLACC scale, which stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability, is specifically designed to assess pain in individuals who are unable to communicate their pain verbally, such as young children or those with cognitive impairments. The nurse assesses Bridgett's pain by observing behavioral indicators related to these five categories rather than relying on her self-reporting or vital signs.

By observing Bridgett's facial expressions (Face), noting any changes in her leg movements (Legs), assessing her level of physical activity (Activity), listening for any signs of crying (Cry), and evaluating how easily she can be consoled (Consolability), the nurse can objectively quantify her pain level. This observation-based approach is especially valuable in pediatric settings where children may struggle to articulate their discomfort effectively.

The other methods mentioned, such as asking for a pain rating or measuring vital signs, do not align with the FLACC scale's intended use, as it focuses solely on behavioral indicators for pain assessment.