What type of scale uses descriptors to classify pain across multiple behavioral categories?

The categorical numeric rating scale utilizes descriptors to classify pain across various behavioral categories. This type of scale allows for a more nuanced understanding of an animal’s pain experience by breaking it down into specific behavior-related categories, facilitating the assessment of pain levels based on observable actions and reactions.

When using a categorical numeric rating scale, a veterinary technician can evaluate pain by assessing signs such as vocalization, activity level, and physiological responses. The descriptors help to inform caregivers and veterinary professionals about the severity of pain the animal is experiencing, thus aiding in the decision-making process for treatment.

The other options, while related to pain assessment, do not specifically characterize this use of descriptors. The visual analogue scale represents pain on a continuum, the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale focuses on a specific set of behaviors without a broad categorical approach, and the narcotic efficacy scale is concerned with the effectiveness of pain medications rather than directly measuring pain in relation to descriptors across behavioral categories. Thus, the categorical numeric rating scale is the most fitting choice for the description provided in the question.