This program discusses the challenges and strategies associated with pain assessment of children. Emphasis is placed on integrating growth and development changes into the assessment process. Various assessment tools, both behavioral and self-reporting, are covered.

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

• define pain.
• differentiate nociceptive, neuropathic, somatic, and visceral pain based on pain location and quality.
• list, in order, the four steps of the nociceptive pain pathway.
• describe four barriers to pain assessment and management.
• identify six benefits to adequate pain assessment and control.
• describe various pain assessment tools and their use.