BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain is frequent during hospitalization of premature neonates (PNN) in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and is caused by routine invasive procedures. This study aimed at identifying and analyzing pain conceptions and management by nurses during nine routine invasive procedures in a NICU of a teaching hospital. METHOD: This was a descriptive study with nine nurses working from one to nine years in NICUs, who answered an adapted questionnaire with 13 open and closed questions about pain conceptions. Answers went through descriptive and content statistical analysis. RESULTS: Nurses acknowledged PNNs ability to feel pain and the importance of pain control to minimize children's development risks. Pain was primarily evaluated by behavioral indicators, such as weeping, facial mimics and motor activity. Routine procedures were considered from moderate to extremely painful, such as venous/arterial puncture and chest drainage; however they used to be carried out without adequate relief measures. CONCLUSION: Although acknowledging that PNNs feel pain and that invasive procedures are painful, nurses considered that pain relief measures were still inadequate. Qualification in pain control is critical for professionals to act as a source of resources to protect future children's development.
Neonatal intensive care unit; Neonatal nursing; Nursing care; Pain management; Pain measurement
