What is the first step in assessing a child's pain?

Using a validated pain assessment tool as the first step in assessing a child's pain is a sound approach because it provides a systematic and objective method to evaluate pain levels. These tools are designed to cater specifically to the developmental stage of children and can help quantify pain through age-appropriate scales, ensuring that findings are consistent and reliable.

This method not only helps in obtaining an accurate assessment of the child's pain but also facilitates effective communication between the healthcare provider and the child.

While asking the child how they feel is essential and often part of the process, relying solely on the child’s verbal report can be less effective, particularly in younger children or those with communication challenges. Checking vital signs could give insight into the child's overall condition, but it does not specifically assess pain levels. Reviewing the medical history is important for context but does not directly inform about current pain status. Therefore, initiating the assessment with a validated tool enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of pain management.