Pain assessment of preterm newborns in peripheral venipuncture and diaper changes

Abstract

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain and stress are the main factors stimulating behavioral, physiological, and hormonal changes in preterm newborns (PTNB) admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU); therefore, the systematic multidimensional assessment of pain at the bedside becomes an essential tool for reducing the impact of brain stimulation, as it guides the appropriate treatment. The objectives of this study were to assess the pain at the bedside of PTNB submitted to peripheral venipuncture or diaper change and to describe the measures for pain relief. METHODS: Longitudinal study, with a prospective cohort of 25 PTNB, carried out in an NICU in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Pain assessment at the bedside was performed at three different times, using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP), when subjected to peripheral venipuncture for infusion therapy and diaper changes. The scores of the scales were analyzed using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: In the puncture group, there was pain and increased intensity. In the diaper group, three PTNB showed pain at the third assessment. During peripheral venipuncture, the non-pharmacological measures were used: oral 25% glucose, non-nutritive suction and a combination of the two. CONCLUSION: Assessing pain at the bedside using scales helps nursing professionals in pain prevention and treatment, avoiding altered responses of newborns in the face of procedures.