Final answer:
To assess the pain of an 8-year-old with developmental and cognitive delays, the nurse should choose the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale or the FLACC Scale, both of which are suitable for children who may not be able to use numerical scales effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing the pain of a developmentally and cognitively delayed 8-year-old child, it’s crucial to use an appropriate pain assessment scale. A numerical rating scale might be challenging for children who might not understand or be able to apply numbers to their pain. The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale is a more suitable option as it uses facial expressions to depict pain levels, helping the child to identify their level of pain without the need for numerical expression. Another feasible option is the FLACC Scale, which stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability. It is used for children who are unable to communicate their pain verbally; this method is based on observations of specific behaviors. The McGill Pain Questionnaire is typically too complex for children and is better suited for adults with a more advanced level of cognitive development.