The assessment and management of post‐operative pain in children by registered sick children's nurses: an exploratory study

In a small exploratory study, convenience samples of registered sick children's nurses (RSCNs), parents and children were interviewed to establish their perceptions of post-operative pain assessment and management. Many of the findings of previous researchers were confirmed. Nurses and parents made judgements of pain using behavioural cues. The administration of analgesia depended on the nurse's personal interpretation of the prescription. The efficacy of analgesia was influenced by the organization of nursing care.