Educational Resources
Learn about pediatric pain assessment scales, best practices, and intervention strategies
Assessment Frequency
| Clinical Context | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Routine Assessment | Every 4-8 hours |
| Post-Operative | Every 1-2 hours initially, then every 4 hours |
| During Procedure | Continuous monitoring |
| After Pain Intervention | 30-60 minutes post-intervention |
| NICU Patients | Before and after all procedures |
Key Principles of Pediatric Pain Assessment
1. Pain is Subjective
When possible, the child's self-report should be the primary source of pain assessment. For non-verbal patients, behavioral observation is essential.
2. Use Age-Appropriate Tools
Select assessment scales validated for the patient's developmental stage. Consider gestational age for premature infants.
3. Document Consistently
Use the same scale for serial assessments to track trends. Document the context, interventions, and effectiveness.
4. Treat Pain Promptly
Pain scores should trigger appropriate interventions. Combine pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.
5. Involve Families
Parents and caregivers can provide valuable insights into the child's pain behaviors and participate in comfort measures.