- For children, previous pain should be assessed using input from both the child and their parents or caregivers.
- The table below illustrates an approach to obtaining a pain history for children (it can be adapted for use with adults).
Child’s Questions Parent’s Questions Tell me what pain is What word(s) does your child use in regard to pain? Tell me about the hurt you have had before Describe the pain experiences your child has had before. Do you tell others when you hurt? If yes, who? Does your child tell you or others when he or she is hurting? What do you want to do for yourself when you are hurting? How do you know when your child is in pain? What do you want others to do for you when you are hurt? How does your child usually react to pain? What don’t you want others to do for you when you hurt? What do you do for your child when he or she is hurting? What helps the most to take your hurt away? What does your child do for him- or herself when he or she is hurting? Is there anything special that you want me to know about when you hurt? (If yes, have child describe) What works best to decrease or take away your child’s pain? Is there anything special that you would like
Clinical Management
Assessment and Management of Pain - 3rd Edition
Point of Care Resources