What is an important laboratory parameter to obtain for a child experiencing pain?

In evaluating a child experiencing pain, obtaining a complete blood count (CBC) is particularly important. The CBC assesses various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This information can provide insights into underlying issues such as infections, anemia, or other hematologic conditions that might be contributing to the child's pain.

For instance, an elevated white blood cell count could indicate an infection, while low red blood cell counts might suggest anemia, which can also be associated with pain in certain conditions. Assessing these parameters helps in understanding the overall health of the child and in making informed clinical decisions about further diagnostic tests or management strategies.

Other laboratory parameters, such as serum electrolytes, blood glucose, and liver function tests, may be relevant in certain contexts but are not typically the first-line investigation specifically aimed at understanding the cause of pain. Each of these tests serves its purpose, but the CBC provides a broad overview that can help identify acute issues that need immediate attention.