Pain Basics
What are the 3 main types of pain children experience?
What is... acute, recurrent, and chronic
What is the most reliable indicator of pain in children old enough to report it?
What is... self-report
According to the WHO, what is the first-line drug class for mild to moderate pediatric pain?
Name 2 distraction techniques nurses can use during procedures.
What is... Bubbles, music, video games, deep breathing, storytelling.
Which pain scale is commonly used for preterm infants?
What is... PIPP(premature infant pain profile), or NPASS for neonates
What is the "windup" phenomenon, and why is it harmful in pediatrics?
What is... repeated pain signals lower the threshold, leading to hypersensitivity and chronic pain syndromes.
The FLACC scale is used for which age group?
What is.. infants & non-verbal children (2 months - 7yrs)
What opioid is considered the gold standard for severe pain & PCA use in children?
What is... Morphine
What biobehavioral technique involves teaching children to replace negative thoughts with positive coping statements?
What is... positive self-talk
Which condition is considered the hallmark example of acute, episodic pain in children?
What is... Sickle Cell Disease -> hallmark -> vaso-occlusive crisis
Which population is at the highest risk for unrecognized or undertreated pain?
What is... pre-term infants & cognitively impaired children ( pain responses blunted, pain often underestimated)
Which pain scale is most widely used in the U.S. for children ages 3 and older?
What is... Wong-Baker FACES Scale, widely used for children older than 3 years
Why is codeine no longer recommended in children?
What is.. Codeine (CYP2D6 genetic)
Guided imagery, relaxation, and thought stopping are all examples of what type of pain management strategy?
What is...Biobehavioral strategies (nonpharmacological interventions)
What teaching should be included for families of children using a fentanyl transdermal patch?
Name 2 negative consequences of unrelieved pain in children.
Which tool is specifically designed for neonatal pain assessment?
What is... CRIES, PIPP, NPASS are neonatal specific
Which opioid adverse effect is a priority for nurses to monitor?
What is...Respiratory Depression
Why are non-pharmacological techniques especially useful for children with recurrent or chronic pain?
What is... they reduce reliance on opioids, empower children with coping skills, and address emotional/psychological aspects.
A nurse is monitoring a 3-year-old receiving conscious sedation. RR=14 HR=64. What complication should the nurse suspect?
What is... Oversedation --> Low RR & bradycardia with sedation
A nurse is caring for a child with chronic abdominal pain. Why should the nurse also screen for depression and anxiety?
What is... Chronic pain often coexists with mental health disorders; Wong's notes link depression, anxiety, and school absenteeism -> so screening is necessary.
A 4-year-old after surgery points to the crying face on the Wong-Baker FACES scale. What should the nurse do next?
What is... the nurse should accept the child's rating as valid and provide interventions for severe pain
A child receiving IV morphine has RR of 8 and is difficult to arouse. What is the first nursing action?
What is.. Stop/reduce opiod, stimulate the child, support respiration, give oxygen, and prepare naloxone
A school-aged child with sickle cell pain requests music therapy during PCA use. How should the nurse respond?
What is.. nurses should encourage it; combining non-pharmacological strategies (music) with pharmacological (PCA) is the best practice.
A nurse prepares to apply EMLA cream before an IV start. When should the cream be applied for maximum effect?
What is... Apply EMLA cream at least 60 minutes before the procedure (cover with occlusive dressing)