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Abstract
Acute pain is one of the most common adverse stimuli experienced by children, occurring
as a result of injury, illness, and necessary medical procedures. It is associated
with increased anxiety, avoidance, somatic symptoms, and increased parent distress.
Despite the magnitude of effects that acute pain can have on a child, it is often
inadequately assessed and treated. Numerous myths, insufficient knowledge among caregivers,
and inadequate application of knowledge contribute to the lack of effective management.
The pediatric acute pain experience involves the interaction of physiologic, psychologic,
behavioral, developmental, and situational factors. Pain is an inherently subjective
multifactorial experience and should be assessed and treated as such. Pediatricians
are responsible for eliminating or assuaging pain and suffering in children when possible.
To accomplish this, pediatricians need to expand their knowledge, use appropriate
assessment tools and techniques, anticipate painful experiences and intervene accordingly,
use a multimodal approach to pain management, use a multidisciplinary approach when
possible, involve families, and advocate for the use of effective pain management
in children.