Neonatal Infant Pain Assessment

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Capstone Project Annette Marlar Grand Canyon University NRS441V Sonya Williams RN, MSN October 14, 2010 Abstract The Joint Commission and International Association for the Study on Pain agree that even though a patient may not be able to verbalize pain does not indicate that they do not have, or feel pain (M Terese Verklan, 2010). As medical professionals we have access to numerous tools and methods for rating pain, however the need to educate those who use these methods require further investigation. Standardizing Policy and Procedures for units that care for the neonate/infant should address pain by using NIPS or PIPP instrument/tool as well as the timing…show more content…
There are many tools currently available and being used to assess pain. Nurses should use pain assessment tools that are multidimensional (scoring behavioral as well as physiological parameters), reliable and valid, as well as clinically useful and appropriate for gestational age (Robin Koeppel, 2002). The Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) can achieve the need of the majority for the instrument/tool. It must be a standard that a pain scale > 4 once assessed must be addressed and treated in a timely manner. The internal consistency and inter-rater reliability of the PIPP scale has been well document according to Badr (Badr, 2010). Another source that supports the use of the PIPP scale is AWHONN, rating its reliability at 93 to 96 percent on interrated and intrarated (Robin Koeppel, 2002) for use with preterm infants 28 weeks to 40 weeks gestational age. This same article rates the NIPS scale as 92 to 97 percent reliable for Interrated, 95 percent on internal consistency with 87 and 88 percent for before, during and after procedure with pre-term and full term infants (Robin Koeppel,…show more content…
If infant | | | |is intubated, score silent cry based on facial movement. | | | |Relaxed (Usual pattern for this infant) |0 | |Breathing pattern | |1

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