Pain Management: Administration of IV, IM, Oral and Rectal Analgesics for Pediatric Self-reported Pain

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\u27s chart is reviewed to determine the type and time of analgesic administration within the first 48 hours after surgery. Information regarding the child\u27s 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\u27s pain. This study supports the fact that a child\u27s 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