Pain control in children following tonsillectomies: a retrospective study

Children in this documentation study were found to receive adequate analgesia that led to adequate pain control most of the time. Fewer analgesic doses were given during the night shift compared to the day and afternoon shifts. Nonanalgesic methods of pain control were consistently used for the children studied. Nurses measure pain relief in children based on verbal and behavioral indicators. The findings of this study will be presented to staff at a future unit practice council meeting. Recommendations will include: (1) administer analgesics at regular intervals throughout the hospital stay, (2) continue to consistently provide nonanalgesic methods of pain control, and (3) conduct a follow-up study using the same tool and guidelines. The results of both studies will be compared. Others who provide nursing care to children following tonsillectomies are encouraged to study the effectiveness of pain relief measures for children in their respective institutions. Pain relief is a measure of quality care.