Student Corner
Pain management for children and infants
Leona Atkinson
Post-registration student, Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing Studies), La Trobe University, VIC
PP: 064 - 070
Abstract
In this overview of paediatric pain management the physiological and psychological effects of untreated pain are described. Reasons for the under-treatment of pain are identified as incorrect assumptions about children and pain; personal attitudes of families, nurses and physicians; inadequate research and training; and assessment difficulties.
The problems of paediatric pain assessment are considered and an assessment strategy known as QUESTT is presented. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are discussed and the conclusion reached that despite the difficulties, infant and child pain can be controlled by using adequate nursing knowledge and treatment.
Keywords
pain: nursing - in infants and children, paediatric nursing
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