Nurses Role in Caring for a Pediatric Patient with Post-Surgical Pain: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

When caring for a child after surgery there is a broad spectrum of different caring methods that nurses use. Currently there are increasing numbers of studies on different caring methods and interventions that claim to be the route to properly care for children experiencing pain. However, studies that were analyzed in this review revealed that there are various strategies that could help manage pain that are yet to be fully utilized. Aim: The aim of this study was to enhance the knowledge of nurses working in postoperative settings caring for pediatric patients that are experiencing postoperative pain. The study aimed to answer the following questions “How can nurses care for pediatric patients with postoperative pain?” and “How can nurses provide support to the parents on the management of their child’s pain after surgery?”. Methodology: This study used a qualitative systematic literature approach and utilized only qualitative studies from no later than the year 2015 in the analysis. Results: The study found that children can express their pain in different ways and how it is vital for nurses to have the abilities in recognizing these different signs/symptoms and managing them. When caring for children’s postoperative pain the studies that were analyzed showed vitality of including the children’s parents in the rehabilitation process and providing distractions such as electronics, toys, and calming music. Furthermore, the findings revealed the importance of offering well and clear instructions to the children’s caregivers/parents prior to being and when been discharged from the hospital. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for further educational programs for nurses to further enhance their knowledge regarding managing children’s post-surgical pain.