Improving Acute Postoperative Pain Management for the Pediatric Patient: Guidelines on the Use of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine

Author

Jenna WintersFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-2019

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Dr. Rebecca Collier

Project Team Faculty Member

Dr. Cynthia Schmidt

Project Team Faculty Member

Stacy Bunte

Keywords

Dexmedetomidine, Precedex, Peditric, Children, Pain Management, Anesthesia Adjunct

Abstract

Inadequately treated surgical pain in children leads to risky complications, such as longer recovery times, infection, prolonged hospitalizations, readmissions, altered pain sensitivity, neurophysiological changes, and cognitive-behavioral abnormalities (Campbell, 2013; Ibrahim, Jones, Lai, & Tan, 2016). Review of the literature indicated intravenous dexmedetomidine, as an adjunct, may lead to improved outcomes and a reduction in postoperative pain in children undergoing surgical intervention. An evidenced-based educational presentation introduced intravenous dexmedetomidine in children to anesthesia professionals, pharmacy staff, and the pediatric care team at a tertiary care center. Concluding the educational presentation, participants completed a voluntary survey evaluating the effectiveness of the presentation. Results suggested the educational presentation increased the knowledge and likelihood anesthesia providers will use dexmedetomidine in children during the perioperative period, potentially improving postoperative pain management. This project can be expanded upon through education of the post-anesthesia recovery unit, as well as the pediatric intensive care unit to promote dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to a multimodal pain management protocol.

Recommended Citation

Winters, Jenna, "Improving Acute Postoperative Pain Management for the Pediatric Patient: Guidelines on the Use of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine" (2019). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 57.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/57

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