Erek and Emily are the parents of 4-week-old Tara, who has just returned from surgery to correct pyloric stenosis. The nurse is obtaining Tara’s vital signs including her level of pain. Tara’s parents are closely monitoring the nurse’s actions and ask her how they will know that Tara is not in any pain. 

a. What are the different classifications of pain that the nurse should be familiar with?

b. What are the factors that influence pain in children?

c. What are some developmental considerations the nurse can utilize to properly assess pain in an infant?

Answer:

a. The different classifications of pain are the following:

1. Nociceptive pain- it occurs due to any injury to tissues or cells.

2. Inflammatory pain- it is caused due to the presence of pain due to inflammation.

3. Neuropathic pain- it is caused due to the stimulation of nerve endings.

4. Functional pain- It does not have any specific origin.

b. The following are the factors that influence pain in children:

1. Age of the child.

2. Gender of the child.

3. Family norms

4. Associated illness

5. Previous experience of pain or injury.

c. The following are the developmental considerations to assess pain in children:

1. Facial expressions of the child.

2. Vital signs specifically heart rate.

3. Blood oxygen level.

4. Gestational age of child at the time of birth.

5. Biological clock of the child.