The Neonatal Pain, Agitation and Sedation Scale (NPASS) is effective for gestational ages within which range?

• A. 28-42 weeks
• B. 20-35 weeks
• C. 30-50 weeks
• D. 23-40 weeks

Answer: (D)

NPASS is designed to assess pain, agitation, and sedation in neonates across a wide developmental span, and it was validated for infants from about 23 weeks postmenstrual age up to 40 weeks postmenstrual age. Within this window, the behavioral cues and physiological signs the scale uses reliably reflect pain and arousal, enabling appropriate titration of analgesia or sedation. Using NPASS beyond this validated range isn’t supported by validation data, which is why ranges extending past 40 weeks or starting before 23 weeks aren’t considered appropriate. So, the gestational age range for which NPASS is effective is roughly 23 to 40 weeks postmenstrual age.