Helping School Age Children with Pain During Medical Procedures

Pain Measurement Tool for Children Greater than 7 Years Old

0-10 Pain Scale

	0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10
	no pain	worst pain

Instructions: Ask your child, "On a scale of 1 to 10, with '0' being no pain and '10' being the worst possible pain you can imagine, what number are you feeling right now?"

Pain Control Tips for School Age Children and Teens

Be honest. Tell your child if something is going to be uncomfortable.

Give your child time to ask questions.

Explain what is being done and why. Older children and teens need to understand and feel in control.

Allow children to make choices whenever possible (like asking for a butterfly needle during a blood draw).

Teach your child to relax. Use deep breathing and imagery to relax tight muscles.

Distract your child from the pain. Books, magazines and music get your child's mind on something else. Bring a cassette tape or CD player and their favorite music to listen to during a painful test.


This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Children's Hospital. However, your child's needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your child's health care provider.


Your health care provider Children's Resource Line 206-987-2500 or 1-866-987-2500 Toll-Free Washington, Alaska, Montana, Idaho
Compiled and/or developed by the Pain Medicine Program at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center.


© 2002 Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, Wash., All Rights Reserved. www.seattlechildrens.org	Pub 1/02 (MW)