The treatment of pain in the emergency department

Abstract

Our approach to the management of fear and pain in the pediatric emergency department is presented. Tricks to attempt the gaining of rapport with frightened children in pain are noted, with emphasis on a developmental approach. The use of analgesic medications, local anesthetics, ketamine, and nitrous oxide as appropriate to emergency situations is outlined. Lastly, the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics for outpatient sedation are reviewed.