Children and the Opioid Crisis: We Can Make a Difference

J Perianesth Nurs. 2024 May 2:S1089-9472(24)00049-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2024.02.003. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe use of opioid-sparing and opioid-free strategies in children can provide adequate analgesia while decreasing the risk of adverse events and contributing to the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis. However, every child must be evaluated individually so that a safe and efficacious perioperative pain management plan can be created. A working knowledge of the risks and benefits of opioids, nonopioid adjuncts, and regional anesthesia along with the ethical considerations for balancing stewardship and beneficent care is essential to the success of these strategies. As perioperative practitioners caring for children, we have an obligation to consider opioid-sparing and opioid-free strategies to promote overall best outcomes. We can make a difference, one child at a time.PMID:38703178 | DOI:10.1016/j.jopan.2024.02.003
Source: Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Source Type: research