Journal of the Society of Pediatric Nurses : JSPN
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Dexamethasone has been used to prevent postextubation stridor in children, but its use is controversial. Five randomized, controlled clinical trials were reviewed to analyze the effectiveness of prophylactic dexamethasone on postextubation stridor in pediatric patients. ⋯ In addition to prophylactic dexamethasone, other approaches should be used to prevent postextubation stridor, such as preparing the patient, following established guidelines, and providing appropriate postextubation care.
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To describe how African-American mothers' spirituality helped them cope during the time of their infants' hospitalization for a serious illness. ⋯ These findings support the importance of understanding and respecting the spiritual needs and expressions of spirituality in African-American mothers who are coping with a serious illness in one of their children.
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Many infant pain assessment tools use infant behaviors indicative of increased arousal. These tools were developed and tested using clinical situations involving acute immediate pain responses. Are these behaviors valid, clinical indicators of acute established pain (non-procedurally caused) pain? Can these tools be used to assess acute established infant pain? This article explores research findings to answer these questions. ⋯ Always use acute immediate pain behavioral responses (behaviors indicative of increased arousal) in conjunction with clinical data concerning "likelihood of pain" and consolability.
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To describe patient demographics, injury characteristics, and circumstances of playground injuries in children admitted to Pennsylvania trauma centers and to identify injury prevention strategies. ⋯ Nurses can advocate for playground safety by teaching children to play safely and recommending age-appropriate equipment and protective surfacing.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Using distraction to reduce reported pain, fear, and behavioral distress in children and adolescents: a multisite study.
Distraction during painful procedures has been shown to be effective in previous studies, yet this simple intervention is not used routinely. This study examined the effectiveness and feasibility of distraction in reducing behavioral distress, pain, and fear during venipuncture or intravenous insertion. ⋯ Failure of the distraction intervention to reach statistical significance in this study is puzzling, given anecdotal reports of clinical efficacy. Methodological issues may have obscured actual differences between experimental and control groups.