HOSPITALIZATION OFTEN RESULTS IN SOME amount of pain for children. Procedures such as blood draws, IV insertions, setting a bone, or getting stitches are common and painful events. The first few days after surgery can also be painful if adequate pain medication is not given. However, great strides have been made in preventing and treating pain in children.

The two primary methods to prevent pain during procedures are psychological (using the mind) and pharmacological (using medications). Medications—from mild to strong—are used during and after surgery to prevent or manage children’s pain.