Analgesia and Sedation in Hospitalized Children
Analgesia and Sedation in Hospitalized Children By Elizabeth J. Beckman, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCCCP, BCPPS Reviewed by Julie Pingel, Pharm.D., BCPPS; and Brent A. Hall, Pharm.D., BCPPS LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Evaluate analgesics and sedative agents on the basis of drug mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic principles, adverse drug reactions, and administration considerations. 2. Design an evidence-based analgesic and/or sedative treatment and monitoring plan for the hospitalized child who is postoperative, acutely ill, or in need of prolonged sedation. 3. Design an analgesic and sedation treatment and monitoring plan to minimize hyperalgesia and delirium and optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. INTRODUCTION ABBREVIATIONS IN THIS CHAPTER Pain, anxiety, fear, distress, and agitation are often experienced by GABA γ-Aminobutyric acid children undergoing medical treatment. Contributory factors may ICP Intracranial pressure include separation from parents, unfamiliar surroundings, sleep dis- PAD Pain, agitation, and delirium turbance, and invasive procedures. Children receive analgesia and PCA Patient-controlled analgesia sedatives to promote comfort, create a safe environment for patient PICU Pediatric ICU and caregiver, and increase patient tolerance to medical interven- PRIS Propofol-related infusion tions such as intravenous access placement or synchrony with syndrome mechanical ventilation. However, using these agents is not without Table of other common abbreviations. risk. Many of the agents used for analgesia and sedation are con- sidered high alert by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices because of their potential to cause significant patient harm, given their adverse effects and the development of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Added layers of complexity include the ontogeny of the pediatric patient, ongoing disease processes, and presence of organ failure, which may alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these medications.
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