Management of young children's acute pain and anxiety during invasive medical procedures.

Acute painful medical procedures frequently engender anxiety reactions in children and sensitize them to future medical interventions. Techniques that reduce pain and anxiety, including behavioral distraction (e.g. bubbles and pop-up books), kinesthetic methods (e.g. rocking), and imaginal methods (e.g. hypnosis), are discussed and described using case examples. Guidelines are provided for the physician's management of children during acute painful procedures. These include methods of engaging the child and the use of ego-supporting suggestions. These pain reduction techniques are synergistic with analgesics and have long-term benefits for pediatric patients.