Which statements reflect best practices in pediatric pain assessment? Highlight all that apply.

Choice A reason: Self-report is the gold standard for pain assessment when developmentally appropriate. Children capable of verbalizing or using scales should be encouraged to express their pain directly. Choice B reason: Pain scores are helpful but should not be the sole component of assessment. Behavioral cues, physiological indicators, and contextual factors must be considered for a comprehensive evaluation. Choice C reason: Asking if pain is tolerable provides insight into the child’s coping and comfort level. It supports individualized care and helps guide interventions beyond numeric scores. Choice D reason: Vital signs may change with pain but are not always reliable indicators, especially in children. They can be influenced by anxiety, fever, or other factors, and should be interpreted cautiously. Choice E reason: Using age-appropriate tools—such as FLACC, Wong-Baker Faces, or numeric scales—ensures accurate assessment. Cognitive ability and developmental stage must guide tool selection.