Pediatric Pain Assessment and Management: Key Considerations for Nurses

Pain assessment is the fifth vital sign and can be assessed and managed effectively in adult patients who are able to articulate their pain. The same cannot be said for pediatric patients, especially the very young ones who are not able to verbalize their pain/discomfort level or articulate the location, intensity and type of pain. The purpose of this professional development activity is to provide registered nurses with evidence-based information related to pediatric pain assessment and management.

Session objectives:

  1. Describe how to accurately assess pain in pediatric patients, including neonates, children, and adolescents using age-specific assessment tools
  2. Recognize pain differences in diverse cultural backgrounds and identify how racial bias influences pain assessment and management in children
  3. Identify ways to manage pain in children of all ages , developmental stages, and communication abilities
  4. Gain proficiency in using pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management techniques
  5. Verbalize key considerations related to pain assessment and management in pediatric patients with chronic medical conditions
  6. Describe concerns related to opioid use in children and prepare to discuss concerns including preventive measures against misuse.

Successful completion of learning activity:

Participants that complete the CE presentation and post-test/evaluation in their entirety and pass the post-test with 80% or higher, will receive an electronic certificate via email. RNs completing the activity will receive 1.0 contact hour of continuing education.

DISCLAIMER

PRESENTATION

POST TEST DIRECTIONS

COST: This CE is FREE for MNA members and $20 for non-members

POST-TEST: Complete the post-test & evaluation response form ONLINE by clicking here.

AWARDING OF CE

  • Participants who achieve a minimum passing score of 80% will receive a certificate awarding 1 contact hour.
  • Participants who do not achieve a passing score will have the option to gain success with the material by repeating the material and test at no additional cost.

RESOURCES

Seminars in Pediatric Neurology Pediatric Pain Measurement, Assessment and Evaluation – PMC (nih.gov)

Implicit Bias in Pediatrics: An Emerging Focus in Health Equity Research | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org)

Pain in children: Approach to pain assessment and overview of management principles – UpToDate