Which pain scale is appropriate to measure pain intensity in preschoolers?

The FACES Scale is particularly suitable for measuring pain intensity in preschoolers because it utilizes simple, relatable facial expressions that children can easily interpret. This scale provides a visual representation of pain through a series of faces that range from happy and smiling to sad and crying, allowing young children to express their level of discomfort based on how they feel, which is often more accessible than numerical or abstract representations.

Preschoolers may struggle with more complex scales, such as the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), which requires the ability to understand numbers and make precise value judgments that can be challenging for their cognitive level. The Borg Scale, primarily used for exertion in physical activities, does not cater to pain measurement, while the Visual Analog Scale, which typically requires the individual to mark a point on a line to indicate pain severity, may also be too abstract for preschool-aged children who may find it difficult to correlate the line with their feelings of pain effectively. Thus, the FACES Scale is the most developmentally appropriate tool for this age group.