Pain Scale: 3 Types
Pain is subject to an individual’s interpretation. Pain scale assessment allows the medical team to
comfort and meet the needs of the individual. The individual reads the scale and chooses a word to
describe the intensity of their pain. After identifying the level of pain rating that is comfortable for the
individual, the medical team will ensure the pain management is effective. Two ways to manage pain:
Drug therapy and Non-drug techniques (Slow Rhythmic Breathing).
Reference: Fundamental of Nursing 7th Edition pp 485
1. Numerical
0
1
____________________________________________________________
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
No Pain
9
10
Severe Pain
2. Descriptive
No Pain
___________________________________________________________
Mild Pain
Moderate Pain
Severe Pain
3. Visual (Nonverbal and Children)
Reference:
Potter Perry: Fundamentals of Nursing, Chapter 32: Vital Signs; Fourth edition, Mosby 1997.
Unbearable Pain
Age
HR/CR/Pulse=
(beats/min)
RR
(breaths/min)
BP =mmhg
Newborn to 1 month
90-180
30-60
50-70
Infant (1mo-1 year)
100-160
22-50
70-95
Toddler (1-3years)
90- 150
20-30
80-100
Preschool (3-6years old)
80-140
20-25
80-100
School Age ( 6-12 years)
70-120
15-20
80-110
Adolescent (12-18)
60- 100
12-20
90-110
Early Adult (19-40 years)
60-100
12-20
90-140
Middle Adult (41-60
years)
60-100
12-20
90-140
Older Adult (61 and
older)
60-100
12-20
90-140
AAOS 11th Edition
Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHgg)