Intermediate
Technical
IVT
pain-agitation-delirium scale
Pediatric assessment tool that differentiates between pain, agitation, and delirium in post-anesthetic children.
Full Definition
The Pain-Agitation-Delirium (PAD) scale is a validated assessment instrument designed specifically for pediatric patients recovering from anesthesia. It helps clinicians distinguish between pain-related distress, simple agitation, and true emergence delirium, each requiring different therapeutic interventions. The scale evaluates behavioral indicators, response to comfort measures, and physiological parameters to guide appropriate treatment decisions in the post-anesthesia care unit.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate all elements when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "The PACU nurse used the pain-agitation-delirium scale to determine whether the child's distress warranted analgesics or sedatives." — Post-anesthesia care documentation
- "Training on the pain-agitation-delirium scale improved staff ability to provide targeted interventions for pediatric emergence issues." — Quality improvement report
Also known as
PAD scale
Don't confuse with
PAED scale
FLACC scale
CHEOPS scale