Which pain assessment tool is appropriate for evaluating pain in a 3-year-old child after a tonsillectomy?

The FACES Pain Scale is particularly suitable for a 3-year-old child as it allows for a more developmentally appropriate assessment of pain. Children at this age may struggle to understand numeric systems or a visual analog scale, both of which require a higher level of cognitive development to interpret and use effectively. The FACES scale uses a series of facial expressions that represent different levels of pain intensity, allowing the child to select the face that they feel best represents how they are feeling.

This approach is engaging for young children and helps them communicate their pain in a way that is understandable for both them and the caregiver. It's also important to note that the FACES scale has been validated for use in pediatric populations and is commonly used in clinical settings to effectively gauge pain levels in young children following procedures like a tonsillectomy. Other assessment tools, like the numeric scale or visual analog scale, are better suited for older children or adults who can quantify their pain more precisely.