The nurse is preparing a newborn for a circumcision. Which prescribed interventions should the nurse implement to alleviate pain? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Oral sucrose during the procedure
b. Bright lights after the procedure
c. Adequate stimulation before and after the procedure
d. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) postprocedure, as needed
e. EMLA cream (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) before the procedure

Answer 1

ANS: A, D, E
Nonpharmacologic pain relief methods during and after the circumcision include pacifiers, oral sucrose, soothing music, recordings of intrauterine sounds, decreased lights, and talking softly to the infant. Acetaminophen may be given throughout the first day for postprocedure pain. EMLA cream (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) may be applied to anesthetize the skin before the procedure. Bright lights and stimulation would not be methods to reduce circumcision pain.