What does the FLACC scale stand for?

The FLACC scale is specifically designed to assess pain in patients, particularly in those who may not be able to articulate their pain due to age or certain medical conditions. It stands for Facial expressions, Legs, Activity, Crying, and Consolability. Each of these components evaluates a different aspect of the patient's response to pain.

Facial expressions examine the patient's face for signs of discomfort or pain. The Legs section looks at the positioning and movement of the legs to gauge tension or restlessness. Activity reviews overall movement, indicating any increased agitation related to pain. Crying assesses the presence and nature of any verbal expressions of pain. Finally, Consolability evaluates how well the individual can be comforted by others or through interventions. Together, these criteria provide a comprehensive assessment of pain levels in non-verbal patients, making it an essential tool in clinical settings, especially for pediatrics.