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

A. Poker Chip Tool: The Poker Chip Tool is designed for children aged 3 years and older who can understand the concept of “more” or “less.” It is not developmentally appropriate for an 18-month-old. B. Numeric scale: The numeric rating scale requires a child to understand numbers and associate them with levels of pain, a skill that typically develops around age 8. It is not suitable for toddlers. C. Color tool: Tools that use colors to represent pain intensity also require a certain level of cognitive development and symbolic understanding, which toddlers under age 3 typically lack. D. FLACC scale: The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale is specifically designed for infants and young children who cannot self-report pain. It uses behavioral cues to assess pain and is appropriate for an 18-month-old.