Nurses' aims when managing pediatric postoperative pain: Is what they say the same as what they do?

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore nurses' aims when managing postoperative pain and whether reported aims reflect actual practices. Design and MethodsParticipant observation was used to collect data regarding nurses' (n = 17) pain management practices. Nurses (n = 19) were asked: When managing postoperative pain, what is your overall aim? ResultsAround half the participants (n = 10) aimed for patients to be comfortable while others aimed for a pain score of 2-3 (n = 7), or below 5 (n = 2). Observed practices matched aims for just more than half the participants (n = 9). Practice ImplicationsThere is evidence of individual variation in practices. This may impact on the care provided.