Paediatric Patients

All the basic approaches to pain minimisation and management used in adults are equally applicable to children. However, children do present particular challenges. It is all too easy to underestimate their pain, so accept the child's measure if he or she is old enough.

With younger children:

• Listen to parents, who will be familiar with their child's behaviour when in pain
• Pay attention to behavioural changes such as withdrawal, avoidance, pained face or crying
• Note physiologically induced changes such as increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate and sweating palms

Remember, fear and anxiety will increase the level of pain.