A nurse is caring for an 18-month-old infant who is 12 hours postoperative following a myringotomy.Which of the following pain rating scales should the nurse use?

Choice A rationaleThe Numeric scale is not suitable for an 18-month-old infant as it requires the child to understand numbers and express their pain level accordingly. Infants at this age lack the cognitive ability to accurately use the Numeric scale.Choice B rationaleThe Poker Chip Tool is used for children aged 3 to 4 years and older. It involves the child choosing a number of poker chips to represent their pain level, which an 18-month-old infant cannot comprehend due to their developmental stage.Choice C rationaleThe FLACC Scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is appropriate for infants and young children. It assesses pain based on objective observations of the child’s behavior, making it suitable for an 18-month-old infant who cannot verbally express pain.Choice D rationaleThe Color tool, which involves choosing a color to represent pain intensity, is not appropriate for an 18-month-old infant as they may not have developed the ability to associate colors with pain levels.