Pain rating using FLACC scale
The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale uses the characteristics listed below to measure pain in infants.
The FLACC scale is a behavioral pain assessment scale for use in nonverbal patients who can’t report pain. Here’s how to use it: 1. Rate the patient in each of the five measurement categories; 2. Add the scores together; 3. Document the total pain score.
| Score | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Face | No particular expression or smile | Occasional grimace or frown, withdrawn, disinterested | Frequent to constant frown, clenched jaw, and quivering chin |
| Legs | Normal position or relaxed | Uneasy, restless, tense | Kicking or legs drawn up |
| Activity | Lying quietly, normal position, moves easily | Squirming, shifting back and forth, tense | Arched, rigid, or jerking |
| Cry | No cry (awake or asleep) | Moans or whimpers, occasional complaint | Crying steadily, screams or sobs, frequent complaints |
| Consolability | Content, relaxed | Reassured by occasional touching, hugging, or “talking to,” dis-tractible | Difficult to console or comfort |
Adapted with permission from “The FLACC: A behavioral scale for scoring postoperative pain in young children,” by S. Merkel, et al. Pediatric Nursing, 23(3), 1997, p. 293-297. Copyright 1997 Jannetti Co. University of Michigan Medical Center.
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