Multimodal Analgesia for Pediatric Postoperative Pain Management

September 9, 2025

Multimodal analgesia is crucial for pediatric postoperative pain management as it combines various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies to target different pain pathways, providing more effective pain relief with fewer side effects. This approach is essential in neonates, infants, and young children, who may have a lower pain threshold, difficulty expressing pain, and a higher risk of adverse effects from opioids. It also enhances overall pain control, as each medication works through different mechanisms, resulting in a synergistic effect. In pediatric patients, effective postoperative pain management is essential not only for comfort but also for facilitating recovery, early mobilization, and reducing the risk of chronic pain. By addressing pain from multiple angles, multimodal analgesia can enhance patient outcomes, decrease hospital stays, and improve the overall experience for both the child and their caregivers.

Target Audience

Nurse

Learning Objectives

Following this presentation the learner will be able to:

  1. Understand and apply multimodal analgesia principles to pediatric postoperative care, ensuring safe and effective pain management through the use of non-opioid and opioid-sparing strategies.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to assess pediatric pain effectively using age-appropriate tools and communicate findings with the interprofessional team to adjust pain management plans as needed.
  3. Educate and engage families in pain management practices, providing clear instructions on medication administration, recognizing signs of inadequate pain relief, and ensuring proper follow-up care post-discharge.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 1.00 Attendance
Course opens: 
09/09/2025
Course expires: 
09/23/2025
Event starts: 
09/09/2025 - 1:00pm EDT
Event ends: 
09/09/2025 - 2:00pm EDT
Add to calendar: 
UPMC: Children's Hospital Of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
United States

Mihaela Visoiu, MD

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the University of Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Affiliate of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. The University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Nursing (CNE)
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Continuing Nursing Education activity is 1 contact hours.

Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.  

 

Available Credit

  • 1.00 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 1.00 Attendance
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