During humanitarian crises, assessment and treatment of acute pain in children and youth are often not prioritized. A short but important letter in Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness raises awareness of this important issue and the impact of unmanaged pain for children in these situations. Full letter can be read here: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/disaster-medicine-and-public-health-preparedness/article/painful-call-about-the-underreporting-of-childrens-pain-during-humanitarian-crises/089E211686ECA654B91B4D567D6E2483
QUESTION OF THE MONTH/VISUAL PEARLS/POLLS OF THE MONTH
NOVEMBER 2024 QUESTION OF THE MONTH
A 30-week gestational age 1-day-old neonate with moderate neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is in the NICU showing signs of agitation, poor feeding, and sleep disturbances. The pain service is consulted for nonpharmacologic recommendations to help with her symptoms. According to available literature, which of the following techniques are recommended as first line therapy for the treatment of NOWS?
A. Start around the clock morphine
B. Prescribe as needed acetaminophen and avoid opioids
C. Use the eat, sleep, console approach
D. Provide acupressure/acupuncture prior to other therapy
E. Place a clonidine patch and recommend as needed morphine
OCTOBER 2024 VISUAL PEARL
