Pediatric nursing
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This analysis of retrospective and prospective data quantified children (age range 0-18 years, total n = 132) during their stay in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit and examined pain management and sedation practices. Data on both factors that could potentially affect pain and its management, and analgesics/sedatives ordered for and administered to subjects were collected from chart review. In the prospective group, pain intensity was measured twice daily using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. ⋯ Significantly greater amounts of analgesia were received by the 0-3 year-old subjects. Large amounts of sedation were used, especially in children under 3 years of age. The results prompted development of a nursing standard to assess and manage pain and sedation in this population.
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To evaluate the reliability and validity of the FLACC Pain Assessment Tool which incorporates five categories of pain behaviors: facial expression; leg movement; activity; cry; and consolability. ⋯ The FLACC provides a simple framework for quantifying pain behaviors in children who may not be able to verbalize the presence or severity of pain. Our preliminary data indicates the FLACC pain assessment tool is valid and reliable.