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Pain Relief in Newborns

To optimize wellbeing of newborn and eliminate unnecessary pain by presumed painful procedures and reducing stress.

PRACTICAL POINTS OF PAIN RELIEF​

  • Ideally let parents comfort their baby during painful procedures. If attendants are not available, one extra nurse should support the baby under the procedure.
  • Nurses and doctors are responsible for the baby not being unnecessarily exposed to pain. Sucrose 25% / Dextrose 10% can be given orally in a wick for pain relief.
  • Pain relief should be done during blood sampling, IV line access, suctioning, inserting a feeding tube and other painful procedures
info

Pain receptors are fully developed in all preterm newborns

EQUIPMENTS​

  • 25% Sucrose (0.05 – 0.5 ml)/ 10% Dextrose
  • Sterile cotton swab
  • Syringe

PROCEDURE​

  • Ensure that the baby is awake to suck and swallow the sucrose/ dextrose.
  • The baby should be full/ satisfied and be well positioned with support around the body before the procedure starts.
  • Give the baby a proper amount of sucrose/ dextrose on a sterile cotton wick. The taste receptors are located in the anterior part of the tongue.
  • Wait for 2 minutes before painful procedure starts.
  • The pain releasing effect will decrease after 5 minutes.
  • Support the baby with your hands during the whole procedure. The nest and the sheet can be used in addition for optimal support.
  • Make sure the baby is calm before you leave, after the procedure.
  • Make sure that the cotton wick is of appropriate size and not too small or large.

References​

  • Campbell-Yeo (2011) Procedural Pain management for Neonates Using Non-pharmacological Strategies.

Document Information​

Current Version

Version: 2.0
Published: August 20, 2015
Revised by: Dr Chetan Meena and Johanne M. E. Huurnink
Contributors: Teaching Nurses from Norway and FBNCU Nursing Staff, JK Lone Hospital, SMS Medical College, Jaipur
Previous Versions: v1.0