Children's expectations of pain, perceptions of analgesic efficacy, and experiences with nonpharmacologic pain management strategies at home following tonsillectomy

Abstract

Purpose: To document children's (ages 6-15 years) descriptions of their pain management at home following tonsillectomy.

Design and methods: Audio-taped interviews of 80 children were transcribed and coded. Data for each response category were tabulated.

Results: Children reported they had more pain after surgery than expected, the pain medicine helped to take their pain away, taking the pain medicine was associated with a negative response by some children, and cold liquids/food by mouth provided pain relief.

Practice implications: Findings provide insight into children's perspective of pain management at home following tonsillectomy and methods for relieving their pain.