1. Which of the following pain scales is most appropriate for assessing pain in a neonate?
A. Numeric rating scale
B. Wong-Baker FACES scale
C. FLACC scale
D. McGill Pain Questionnaire
Answer: C. FLACC scale
Rationale: The FLACC scale is specifically designed for infants and young children wh...
NCLEX-Style Questions on Pain Assessment Tools Across the Lifespan
1. Which of the following pain scales is most appropriate for assessing pain in a neonate?
A. Numeric rating scale
B. Wong-Baker FACES scale
C. FLACC scale
D. McGill Pain Questionnaire
Answer: C. FLACC scale
Rationale: The FLACC scale is specifically designed for infants and young children who cannot
communicate their pain level, making it suitable for neonates.
2. A nurse is assessing an elderly patient’s pain. Which tool is most appropriate for this age
group?
A. Numeric rating scale
B. Wong-Baker FACES scale
C. Oucher scale
D. Brief Pain Inventory
Answer: D. Brief Pain Inventory
Rationale: The Brief Pain Inventory helps assess the impact of pain on daily functions and is
appropriate for elderly patients who may have multiple comorbidities.
3. Which of the following statements about pain assessment in children is true?
A. Children can always accurately report their pain levels.
B. Pain is less intense in children than in adults.
C. Developmental level can affect a child's ability to communicate pain.
D. Children do not feel pain until they reach adolescence.
Answer: C. Developmental level can affect a child's ability to communicate pain.
Rationale: Children's ability to express pain varies with their developmental stage, and they may
need guidance to articulate their pain experiences.
4. The Wong-Baker FACES scale is best suited for which of the following patient
populations?
,A. Infants
B. Adults with cognitive impairment
C. School-age children
D. Elderly patients
Answer: C. School-age children
Rationale: The Wong-Baker FACES scale uses facial expressions to depict pain levels, making
it suitable for school-age children who can understand and relate to the visuals.
5. When assessing a patient’s pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), which response
indicates a high level of pain?
A. 0
B. 3
C. 5
D. 9
Answer: D. 9
Rationale: On the Numeric Rating Scale, a score of 9 indicates severe pain, while lower scores
represent mild to moderate pain.
6. Which pain assessment tool incorporates a patient’s functional status and quality of life?
A. FLACC scale
B. Oucher scale
C. McGill Pain Questionnaire
D. Wong-Baker FACES scale
Answer: C. McGill Pain Questionnaire
Rationale: The McGill Pain Questionnaire includes qualitative descriptors that provide insight
into the patient’s pain experience, including its impact on quality of life.
7. A nurse is using the Oucher scale to assess pain in a child. What is the key feature of this
scale?
A. It uses facial expressions to convey pain.
B. It uses numbers from 0 to 10.
C. It provides photographs of children showing different pain levels.
D. It is based on a visual analogue scale.
, Answer: C. It provides photographs of children showing different pain levels.
Rationale: The Oucher scale includes photographs of children depicting various pain levels,
making it relatable for children.
8. What is the primary limitation of using the Numeric Rating Scale for pain assessment?
A. It is difficult to understand.
B. It does not allow for nuanced descriptions of pain.
C. It is not suitable for children.
D. It requires advanced literacy skills.
Answer: B. It does not allow for nuanced descriptions of pain.
Rationale: The Numeric Rating Scale quantifies pain but does not capture the qualitative aspects
of pain that might affect the patient’s experience.
9. Which age group is most likely to underreport pain due to a lack of understanding or
fear of treatment?
A. Neonates
B. Toddlers
C. School-age children
D. Adolescents
Answer: A. Neonates
Rationale: Neonates cannot verbally express pain and may not show typical signs, making it
challenging to assess their pain accurately.
10. In assessing pain in elderly patients, what is a key consideration for nurses?
A. Elderly patients often exaggerate their pain.
B. Pain may be underestimated due to communication barriers.
C. Older adults do not experience pain as intensely as younger adults.
D. Only physical symptoms of pain need to be assessed.
Answer: B. Pain may be underestimated due to communication barriers.
Rationale: Elderly patients may have difficulty articulating their pain, leading to
underassessment and undertreatment.
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