Patient-controlled analgesia as postoperative pain treatment for children.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is an effective method of postoperative pain relief for children. Fifteen general surgery patients, aged 11 to 18 years, were treated for pain with PCA. Self-report of pain intensity by the child, parent, and nursing staff and a posttreatment questionnaire were analyzed. The average amount of medication administered by PCA was compared with the amount given to similar group of children treated by traditional administration; overall, the PCA group received less morphine than the traditional group. This study indicates that PCA is a valuable addition to pain management for the pediatric patient.

• Authors: C J Webb, D A Stergios, B M Rodgers
• Journal: Journal of pediatric nursing (J Pediatr Nurs) Vol. 4 Issue 3 Pg. 162-71 (Jun 1989) ISSN: 0882-5963 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2724057 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Morphine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Analgesia (methods)
• Child
• Decision Making
• Female
• Humans
• Infusion Pumps
• Male
• Morphine (administration & dosage)
• Nursing Assessment
• Pain, Postoperative (drug therapy)
• Self Administration
• Surveys and Questionnaires