The Faces Scale has been developed into a practical, laminated version. Since its development, a Hispanic and African-American version have been created. A numeric value can be placed on each color. Asking the child to select a color that is most like the pain that they are currently experiencing can then assess the pain intensity. Despite the availability of assessment tools, research suggests that nurses do not use them on a consistent basis.
Parents play a key role in the assessment of their child's pain.
Parents are the best proxies when the child can not verbally report their pain. Furthermore, parents are very adept at noticing subtle changes in their child which could indicate pain. Parents should be encouraged to take an active role in the assessment and management of their child's pain. Children's self-report versus nurse assessment of pain intensity and affect. Assessing pain in the critically ill child.