What is the most appropriate pain scale for an infant?

The FLACC pain scale is the most appropriate pain assessment tool for infants because it is specifically designed for non-verbal patients and those who may not yet have the capacity to articulate their pain. The FLACC scale assesses five specific criteria: facial expression, leg movement, activity level, crying, and consolability, each scored from 0 to 2. This comprehensive approach allows caregivers to evaluate the pain based on observable behaviors, which is crucial as infants cannot communicate their discomfort in words.

In contrast, other scales such as the CRIES scale, while also useful for neonates, are more suited to specific populations like preterm infants. The Wong-Baker FACES scale requires the ability to understand and use faces to express feelings and is generally more appropriate for children aged three years and older. The Numeric Rating Scale is suitable for older children and adults who can comprehend numbers and rate their pain on a scale, which is inappropriate for infants who lack that cognitive development.

Thus, the design and target demographic of the FLACC scale make it the most fitting choice for assessing pain in infants.