Pediatric Pain Management: Nursing Approaches and Challenges

Abstract

Pediatric pain remains a complex and often under-recognized issue in clinical practice, requiring specialized approaches for effective management. Children, particularly neonates and infants, experience pain differently from adults, with developmental variations influencing their pain perception, expression, and response to interventions. Nurses play a pivotal role in pediatric pain management, encompassing assessment, intervention, monitoring, and family education. This review article explores the current nursing approaches to pediatric pain management and highlights the key challenges that hinder optimal care delivery. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies are integral to nursing practice. Pharmacological interventions include the administration of age-appropriate analgesics following evidence-based guidelines, whereas non-pharmacological techniques such as distraction, play therapy, and comfort positioning serve as valuable adjuncts. Accurate pain assessment using validated tools such as the face, legs, activity, cry, consolability, Wong-Baker FACES, and numeric rating scales is critical but often compromised due to communication barriers and lack of standardized protocols. Despite advancements in pediatric pain science, nurses frequently encounter challenges, such as inadequate training, limited institutional support, fear of opioid use, and high workload demands. These factors contribute to the under-treatment of pain and increased emotional distress for both children and their families. The review also discusses emerging practices, including the use of technology-assisted interventions and integrative therapies, which have shown promise in enhancing pain relief. In conclusion, a multifaceted, child-centered approach led by well-trained nursing professionals is essential for effective pediatric pain management. Continued education, research, and advocacy are imperative to overcome existing barriers and ensure that children receive the compassionate, evidence-based care they deserve.