Neonatal and pediatric pain management: standards and application

Untreated pain may lead to significant morbidity and increase the risk for mortality in neonatal and pediatric patients. Parents and patients expect pain relief when receiving healthcare. Furthermore, caregivers have a moral and ethical responsibility to relieve pain and suffering. This presentation provides an overview of the effects of pain on neonatal and pediatric patients, current regulatory and professional pain management standards, and pain assessment, management, and documentation strategies to comply with current standards.