Neonatal Pain Relief Protocols in Their Infancy

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

see this excellent nursing spectrum article by diane saniski, rnc

(3/28/05) a progressive change in the culture of pain management in newborns is taking place. research has proved incorrect the idea that neonates have a decreased sensitivity to painful stimuli and quickly forget any pain they do experience.

neonatal pain relief protocols in their infancy

[Mimi2RN, ASN, RN]

We have used sucrose, with good results, for two or three years. It's not just for babies who are having procedures, but for ones who are unhappy and screaming. For example, a baby who has a high resp rate and can't be fed can be given sucrose, and may suck on a pacifier. I love to see the look on the face of a baby, when it has a drop of sucrose on it's tongue! Mmmmm good!

We use the NIPS score for pain, and have to document a baseline every shift, as well as actions and response. The Finnegan scoring system is very good, showing the need for meds as well as results.

About 15 years ago, I worked in a hospital that had a bottle of sucrose mixed by the pharmacy, for use on the newborns belonging to one particular ped. I think he'd learned about that wherever he went to school. It's not new, it's justtaken many years to become official!