Pain Control for School Age Children

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How can I tell if my child is in pain?

Your child may:

cry, moan, be irritable, or withdraw quietly.
be restless or not want to move at all.
hold the area of discomfort or guard it.
not eat or drink as much as usual.
complain of pain.

You know your child better than anyone, so please tell a nurse if your child is acting differently than normal.

My child complains and the next moment is playing. Does this mean he or she is "faking"?

Many times, children play or sleep to avoid feeling uncomfortable.

This is a way of coping with pain and should not be mistaken for feeling good. Complaints of pain should not be seen as a way to get attention.

If my child tells me he or she hurts, but denies this when approached by the nurse, will the nurse believe me?

Many times a child is afraid of what the nurse will do to "take care" of his or her pain. Most pain medicines are given by mouth or through his or her IV. We rarely give "shots." Your nurse will be honest with you about how we deal with your child's pain and we certainly will believe you. Often children tell their parents things they won't tell anyone else.

What can I do to help my child's pain?

Dim lights and decrease noise level.
Make sure the child's clothing is loose and light.
Bring familiar objects from home (a favorite toy, blanket, etc.).
Record your voice or his or her favorite music on a cassette if you cannot be there.
Hold him or her.
Distract him or her (read to him or her, play with him or her, do coloring, crafts, etc.).
A cold pack to the area of discomfort will decrease swelling and possibly help "numb" the area.
A warm pack to the area of discomfort will increase circulation and possibly help the area "feel better."
Do not disturb your child if he or she is finally resting.
Pat, rub, or give a gentle massage to your child.
Approach your child in a calm, comforting way.

Do we have to ask for the medicine or will you bring it in?

Sometimes the doctors order the pain medicine to be given every so many hours, but usually you need to ask for it when the child hurts. Please do not wait until your child's pain is severe as this requires more time for the pain medicine to work. For instance, if your child's pain is rated between 0 to 5 (0 = pain, 5 = extreme pain), we probably need to give medicine for anything at 3 or above. Please let us know when the pain is at 2 or 3 instead of waiting until it is at 5.

Will my child become addicted to the medication?

Some parents and children worry about their child becoming addicted to pain medicine. It is important for you to know the facts about addiction so that your concerns will not result in needless suffering for your child. Drug addiction means that a person is taking a drug to get a mental "high" instead of relief for real pain. Children take pain medicine so they can function. When children are in pain, they need relief so they can function. When children are in pain, they need relief from their pain. Once the pain is gone, the medicine is no longer needed and it is gradually stopped. The truth is that the addiction is very rare when medicine is taken for pain control.

If you have any concerns or questions about your child's pain care, please feel free to ask your nurse.

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