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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1996

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Margaret Hegge

Keywords

treatment of pain in children, analgesia

Abstract

Pediatric self-assessment of pain is investigated prior to and one hour after administration of IV, IM, oral and rectal analgesics. The difference between IV/IM medications and 0/R medications on the mean of self-reported pain prior to and one hour after each administration in a 48 hour post surgical period is investigated.
A retrospective chart review is conducted. A convenience sample of children, aged four to eight, who had undergone a surgical procedure is included. The "Traffic Signal" pain rating scale is used by the children to rate their level of pain. Each child's chart is reviewed to determine the type and time of analgesic administration within the first 48 hours after surgery. Information regarding the child's self-report of pain is also obtained, both prior to and one hour after each administration of medication.
This study shows that analgesic administration is an effective intervention in dealing with a child's pain. This study supports the fact that a child's pain is not being dealt with as effectively as it could be. Children in this study who received 0/R medication did not achieve as much pain relief as those children who received IV/IM medication. The IM route of analgesic administration continues to be utilized, demonstrating that pediatric pain is not being dealt with as efficiently as it could be. This study also supports the fact that children continue to be undermedicated.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Pain in children -- Treatment
Analgesia

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

77

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 1996 Nadine Bergin. All rights reserved

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