Nurses Role in Managing Post-Operative Pain for Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Because of children's developmental stages ranging from neonate to adolescence, their limited communication skills, and cognitive ability, pediatric patients experience pain differently than adult patients which affects the child’s level of comfort, healing rate, and quality of life. For a variety of medical issues, children endure a range of surgical procedures, from complex tonsillectomy to intricate surgeries. In order to promote a seamless recovery and reduce risks, these young patients require effective post-operative pain treatment. Considering the vulnerability of pediatric populations nurses play an important role in elevating a child’s post-operative pain. This study aimed to investigate how nurses assess and individualize post-operative pain in pediatric unique needs, preferences, and clinicals. Subsequently demonstrating the most effective nurse-led interventions for managing post-operative pain in pediatric patients.

Methodology: Katherine Kolcaba’s theory of comfort was used for the theoretical framework. Data collection was that of a systematic literature review. The research articles consisted of 14 articles for the systematic literature review.

Results: The critical appraisal of the data set reveals seven major themes; documentation, pain scale and assessment, pharmacological, nonpharmacological, educational program, parents’ perception and satisfaction with post-operative pain management, and nurses’ perception and clinical competencies. Furthermore, several sub-theme links to the research question included cognitive-behavioral techniques, cheer theory, comfort theory, music, and distraction strategies for nurse-led effective management of pediatric post-operative pain.