Publication: EFFECTIVE NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL PAIN MANAGEMENT IN PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PAITENTS
| dc.contributor.author | Rizzo, Addison | |
| dc.contributor.author | Bedi, Sarah | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-04-21T19:40:09Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-04-16 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Effective pain management in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients is a critical nursing responsibility. When pain is not properly managed, it can lead to negative physical and psychological outcomes, including increased blood pressure, weakened immune function, delayed healing, and prolonged recovery. Pain also affects a child’s emotional well-being, sleep quality, and behavior, which may extend hospital stays. Because children in the PICU often have limited ability to communicate their pain, fear, and frustration, it can heighten their emotional distress. Hospitalization and unfamiliar procedures can be overwhelming, making individualized pain management strategies essential. This evidence-based practice review explores how non-pharmacological pain management strategies, such as distraction techniques, compare to pharmacological interventions in reducing pain and anxiety among pediatric ICU patients. The clinical question guiding this review asks: In pediatric ICU patients, how do non-pharmacological pain management measures, such as distraction techniques, compared to pharmacological measures, affect pain reduction and the need for medications during the ICU stay? Evidence for this review was gathered from the CINAHL, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases using key terms including non-pharmacological interventions, distraction techniques, pediatric intensive care unit, and pain management. Research demonstrates that non-pharmacological strategies such as music therapy, audiobooks, and hand massage can significantly reduce pain and fear in pediatric patients. These approaches provide comfort, decrease anxiety, and address children’s developmental and emotional needs during hospitalization (Akay et al., 2024b). While pharmacological interventions remain important for managing pain and supporting recovery, they carry risks such as respiratory depression and oversedation. Integrating non-pharmacological methods alongside medication can reduce these risks while improving patient comfort and overall outcomes (Alemdar et al., 2023d). Expanding nurse training and incorporating these strategies into care plans may enhance pediatric pain management and create a safer, more supportive environment for children and their families. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.husson.edu/handle/20.500.14298/1084 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | |
| dc.title | EFFECTIVE NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL PAIN MANAGEMENT IN PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PAITENTS | |
| dc.type | Poster | |
| dspace.entity.type | Publication | |
| relation.isAuthorOfPublication | 77dd680c-30b6-4f4e-9494-4b4b31cb0e4b | |
| relation.isAuthorOfPublication.latestForDiscovery | 77dd680c-30b6-4f4e-9494-4b4b31cb0e4b |