Pediatric Pain and Sedation in the ED and Acute Care settings

A comprehensive overview of procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA), specifically focusing on pediatric patients. They detail the historical evolution of pain and sedation management, including the development and re-evaluation of various sedative and analgesic agents like propofol, ketamine, and opioids, alongside local and topical anesthetics. The texts also highlight best practices in pain assessment and nonpharmacologic interventions, such as the use of child life specialists and parental presence. Furthermore, they address monitoring protocols, safety considerations, and the ongoing challenge of oligoanesthesia (undertreatment of pain), emphasizing its negative consequences and outlining the roles of key organizations in shaping clinical guidelines.