Which scale is commonly used for assessing pain in non-verbal patients?

The FLACC scale, which stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability, is specifically designed for assessing pain in non-verbal patients, such as infants or those with cognitive impairments. This scale involves observing the patient's physical and behavioral cues to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10, based on five criteria: facial expression (Face), leg movement (Legs), overall activity (Activity), presence of crying (Cry), and the ability to be consoled (Consolability).

This multi-faceted approach makes the FLACC scale particularly effective in situations where verbal communication is not possible. It allows caregivers to assess pain through observable signs, which can be crucial for providing appropriate pain management in vulnerable populations. The scale is widely recognized and validated for use in clinical settings, which enhances its reliability and utility in the assessment of pain among non-verbal individuals.