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Updated: May 31, 2026
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An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Children's postoperative pro re nata (PRN) analgesia: nurses' administration practices
Wendy Smyth1, Janelle Toombes, Kim Usher
1Tropical Health Research Unit for Nursing and Midwifery Practice, Townsville Health Service District and School of Nursing, Nutrition and Midwifery, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
Contemporary Nurse
|June 23, 2011
Summary
Nurses use various methods to assess children's pain for pro re nata (PRN) analgesia, but communication about effectiveness and documentation are lacking. Further education and improved documentation are crucial for optimal pediatric pain management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Pain Management
- Clinical Decision-Making
Background:
- Nurses are vital in assessing and administering postoperative pain relief to children.
- Limited research exists on the administration and decision-making processes for pro re nata (PRN) analgesia in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore nursing practices in administering PRN postoperative analgesia to children.
- To understand nurses' decision-making processes regarding pediatric PRN pain management.
Main Methods:
- A sequential mixed-methods study was employed, starting with quantitative data collection, followed by qualitative data collection.
- This design allowed for an in-depth exploration of nursing practices and decision-making.
Main Results:
- Nurses utilized diverse strategies to determine children's need for PRN analgesia, including pain scales, behavioral observation, and family involvement.
- Communication regarding the effectiveness of administered PRN analgesia was frequently inadequate.
- Documentation related to PRN analgesia administration was identified as poor.
Conclusions:
- The selection and administration of PRN analgesia for children involve complex nursing decisions.
- In-service education is recommended to enhance nurses' skills in postoperative PRN pain management for children.
- Urgent improvements in documentation are necessary to ensure high-quality patient outcomes.
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