Pain Management in Pediatric Patients: Evidence-Based Practices and Future Directions for Pediatric Surgical Nurses

Abstract

This article provides an overview of managing pain in the pediatric population for the surgical nurse. Proper assessment of pediatric pain, newborn to age 18, is reviewed, including appropriate pain scales and self-report of pain. Pain management, including pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches, is stated. Innovative practices such as virtual reality and educational tool kits for families are reviewed. Special considerations in the pediatric population, including undertreatment of pain in infants, preprocedural pain treatment, and postoperative pain, are included. The importance of educating, aligning expectations, and communicating among the healthcare team, patients, and families is discussed.