A 10 month-old is recovering from a surgical procedure. Which pain assessment tool is best to use on this age group?

A. FLACC scale: The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale is designed for infants and young children who cannot reliably self-report pain. It assesses observable behaviors and physiological indicators, making it appropriate for a 10-month-old recovering from surgery. B. Wong-Baker FACES scale: The FACES scale relies on the child’s ability to recognize and relate to facial expressions and select a corresponding face. Children younger than 3–4 years typically lack the cognitive skills to use this tool accurately, making it unsuitable for a 10-month. C. Numeric rating scale: Numeric scales require the child to understand and quantify pain on a numerical continuum. Infants and young toddlers cannot cognitively perform this task, rendering it inappropriate for this age group. D. Visual analog scale: The visual analog scale involves marking pain intensity on a line or scale, which requires abstract thinking and fine motor skills. Infants under 12 months cannot use this scale effectively, so it is not suitable for a 10-month-old.