The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) Behavioral Scale can be used in young children who may not be able to accurately verbalize postoperative pain and discomfort.
Patient selection:
(1) Children from 2 months to 7 years of age who had undergone a variety of elective surgical procedures.
(2) Children with developmental delay were not included.
Parameters:
(1) face
(2) legs
(3) activity
(4) cry
(5) consolability
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|
face |
no particular expression or smile |
0 |
|
|
occasional grimace or frown, withdrawn, disinterested |
1 |
|
|
frequent to constant quivering chin, clenched jaw |
2 |
|
legs |
normal position or relaxed |
0 |
|
|
uneasy, restless, tense |
1 |
|
|
kicking, or legs drawn up |
2 |
|
activity |
lying quietly, normal position, moves easily |
0 |
|
|
squirming, shifting back and forth, tense |
1 |
|
|
arched, rigid or jerking |
2 |
|
cry |
no cry (awake or asleep) |
0 |
|
|
moans or whimpers, occasional complaints |
1 |
|
|
crying steadily, screams or sobs, frequent complaints |
2 |
|
consolability |
content, relaxed |
0 |
|
|
reassured by occasional touching, hugging or being talked to; distractable |
1 |
|
|
difficult to console or comfort |
2 |
FLACC score =
= SUM(points for all 5 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 10
• The higher the score the more the behavior reflecting discomfort and pain.
• Preliminary data showed the scale to be valid and reliable.
Specialty: Pedatrics
ICD-10: ,
