Date of Award
Spring 1994
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Brown, Ardene J.
Second Advisor
Mc Manus, Patricia
Third Advisor
Kachoyeanos, Mary
Abstract
Nurse administrators are in key positions to affect policy development as it relates to establishing standards of pain management in adolescents who experience vase-occlusive painful episodes related to sickle cell disease. The analysis of a patient data base for the purpose of policy development in settings where adolescents with sickle cell disease receive pain management by the patient controlled analgesia (PCA) method is the focus of the research. A descriptive study of 146 admissions for 10 adolescents (six boys and four girls) with sickle cell disease from 10 - 19 years of age for vaso-occlusive painful episodes and who received patient controlled analgesia was conducted. The significant findings of the study included: number of hospitalizations, information regarding cost, and amount of medication which was or was not received. The implications in pain management for nurse administrators remain the key in the success of policy development. The use of PCA in the pain management of vase-occlusive painful episodes can be safe, efficient and cost effective and decrease length of stay.
Recommended Citation
Robinson, Evelyn L., "Analysis of a Data Base for Policy Development : Patient Controlled Analgesia of Children with Sickle Cell Disease" (1994). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3655.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3655