The Clinical journal of pain
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Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms in children. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of opioid analgesia in children with abdominal pain presenting to the pediatric Emergency Department (ED) and to identify factors associated with administration of opioids. ⋯ Few pediatric patients with abdominal pain are treated with pain medications. The decision to use opioid analgesia for acute abdominal pain in the pediatric ED is influenced by acuity level, pain score documentation in triage, and location of abdominal pain. Efforts should be made to educate physicians on the appropriate administration and dose of opioids in children with abdominal pain in the ED.