title: Patient-controlled analgesia as postoperative pain treatment for children.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is an effective method of postoperative pain relief for children. Fifteen general surgery patients, aged 11 to 18 years, were treated for pain with PCA. Self-report of pain intensity by the child, parent, and nursing staff and a posttreatment questionnaire were analyzed. The average amount of medication administered by PCA was compared with the amount given to similar group of children treated by traditional administration; overall, the PCA group received less morphine than the traditional group. This study indicates that PCA is a valuable addition to pain management for the pediatric patient.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Stergios
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Rodgers
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012646:Self Administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D009020:Morphine