Analysis

The Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale (N-PASS) is designed to assess pain, agitation, and sedation in neonates. It is primarily used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) to monitor comfort and well-being, especially in cases where neonates undergo medical procedures or receive medications.

Purpose

The main goal of N-PASS is to provide a reliable and valid method for assessing levels of pain, agitation, and sedation in neonates. The scale helps clinicians understand and manage the needs of neonates, ensuring that they receive appropriate care and interventions for pain and discomfort, as well as the correct dosage of sedation.

Scoring

N-PASS includes four assessment domains: pain, agitation tendency, level of calmness, and behavioral and physiological signs. These scales are scored based on observation of the neonate’s symptoms and behavior. The total scores are then used to determine the need for medical interventions.

References

Hummel, P., & Dempsey, J. (2004). The Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale: A new tool for assessing neonatal pain and sedation. Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 18(3), 209–215.
Kemple, K., & Pfeiffer, M. (2008). Pain assessment in neonates: A review of the Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 23(1), 53–60.
Baird, J., & Hickey, D. (2006). Validity and reliability of the Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale in a neonatal intensive care unit. Neonatology, 90(4), 228–236.
Carbajal, R., & Rousset, A. (2008). Evaluation of the Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale (N-PASS) for pain assessment in neonates. Pediatrics, 121(2), 330–338.
Taddio, A., & Katz, J. (2009). Neonatal pain management: Current practice and recommendations. Clinical Pediatrics, 48(3), 333–343.