The Clinical journal of pain
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Evidence of unrelieved childhood pain, adverse drug events (ADE), and deaths suggest that parents may inadequately respond to pain and opioid-related ADE signals. This study examined parents' recognition and response to pain and ADE signals using both dynamic hypothetical scenarios and real at-home opioid decisions. ⋯ Findings demonstrated that many parents failed to withhold a prescribed opioid dose for oversedation, suggesting a lack of awareness regarding this potentially serious ADE. Strategies to improve parents' recognition of oversedation and its potential consequences are warranted to improve opioid safety.