Knowledge and Attitudes of Nursing Students Regarding Children's Pain

Hawa M Alabdulaziz1, Salmah Alghamdi1, Sarah M Alabbadi2

  • 1Department of Maternity and Child Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU.

Cureus
|October 14, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Most nursing students demonstrate adequate knowledge and attitudes towards pediatric pain management. Further training in pain assessment and pharmacological interventions could enhance their skills.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Pain Management
  • Nursing Education

Background:

  • Assessing and managing pain in hospitalized children presents challenges for healthcare professionals.
  • Effective pain management is crucial to prevent increased morbidity and mortality.
  • Nurses' knowledge of pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain interventions is vital for developing management plans.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate nursing students concerning pediatric pain management.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate nursing students.
  • The Pediatric Nurses Knowledge and Attitudes Survey (PNKAS) was utilized to collect data.
  • Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics.

Main Results:

  • A significant majority (86.3%) of participants achieved satisfactory scores on the PNKAS, indicating adequate knowledge and attitudes.
  • No significant correlation was found between participants' age and their total scores (p=0.740).
  • No significant correlation was found between academic levels and total scores (p=0.397).

Conclusions:

  • Undergraduate nursing education plays a critical role in preparing students for pediatric pain management.
  • Findings suggest a need for enhanced training in pain assessment and pharmacological interventions for nursing students.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Analgesia and Pain Management01:25

Analgesia and Pain Management

Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
540
Ethical Dilemmas I01:17

Ethical Dilemmas I

Ethical dilemmas in nursing are of utmost importance, as they often arise from the tension between adhering to core ethical principles and the practical realities of healthcare delivery. These dilemmas require nurses to navigate complex situations where competing ethical considerations pull them in different directions.
Let us explore some examples to understand the potentially complex moral decisions nurses face.
Take the case of caring for minors, particularly in areas related to reproductive...
854
The Professional Nurse01:22

The Professional Nurse

Professional nurses are not limited to bedside care and are taking roles of greater responsibility. A nurse should have a knowledge-based practice, including personal, theoretical, procedural, cultural, and reflexive knowledge. Additionally, nurses must be competent in cognitive, technical, interpersonal, and ethical/legal skills. Some of the best attributes of successful nurses include the following:
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
4.1K
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones01:29

Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones

Bones are dynamic organs that require a rich supply of oxygen and nutrients. Around 5% to 10% of the cardiac output supplies blood to the bones. A typical long bone has three main sources: the nutrient artery, the metaphyseal and epiphyseal arteries, and the periosteal arteries.
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
10.7K
Nurses' Legal Responsibilities II01:23

Nurses' Legal Responsibilities II

Establishing a secure, collaborative nurse-patient relationship is crucial for delivering high-quality care. This relationship, founded on trust, respect, and honesty, enhances the patient's comfort and willingness to share vital health information. For example, a nurse who listens actively and without judgment provides clear information about health conditions and treatment options and respects patient decisions, which builds a trusting relationship.
Communication between nurses and...
686
Nursing Code of Ethics01:29

Nursing Code of Ethics

The Nursing Code of Ethics sets the ethical benchmark for the profession, and guides nurses in ethical analysis and decision making at the societal, organizational, and clinical levels. The code encompasses showing compassion and respect for the patient, their families, and communities in all circumstances while committing to providing patient-centered care. In addition, the code states that nurses must advocate for the patient by defending a cause or recommendation to protect their rights,...
2.2K