Paediatric Pain, General Principles, Assessment and Immediate Strategies

Description

The presentation is a comprehensive guide on pediatric trauma assessment and pain management, focusing particularly on limb fractures and amputations. Caroline Wilson introduces the necessity of effective pain control as a humanitarian standard in treating injured children, explaining how proper analgesia not only reduces physical symptoms like tachycardia and bleeding but also creates a calmer environment for the child and the healthcare staff.



She details the assessment methods for pain in children based on their age, from pain scores for older children to validated scales for younger ones like the Alder Hey Triage Pain Score. The importance of regular pain assessments as a vital sign is emphasized, along with the necessity of combining pharmacological approaches with non-pharmacological strategies, including parental involvement in the child's care.



Wilson outlines a stepwise pharmacological approach starting from strong opioids for severe pain down to simple analgesics, stressing the significance of maintaining therapeutic levels to avoid the need for higher doses of stronger drugs later.



A case study involving a six-year-old boy who sustained severe injuries in a road traffic accident illustrates the practical application of these concepts. His pain management journey involves a range of analgesics, including ketamine and morphine, along with various surgical interventions.



Further discussion delves into regional anesthesia, nerve blocks, and the incorporation of ultrasound techniques in administering local anesthetics, underscoring their safety and efficacy in pediatric patients. The presentation concludes with key takeaways stressing the importance of assessing pain accurately, utilizing intranasal routes for medication, and capitalizing on available resources to ensure optimal outcomes for pediatric trauma patients.

Specialties