Control of pain.

Inadequate pain control in children has been the rule in part because assessment of pain in critically ill or injured patients is difficult and challenging. Methods to relieve pain that are particularly suited to the intensive care unit (ICU) environment include continuous infusions of opioids, patient controlled analgesia, and various regional techniques including epidural administration of opioids and local anesthetics. Care must be taken to tailor pain management to the patient’s situation and individual needs. Analgesia and anesthesia must be provided for procedures performed within the ICU as well.