Use of Intravenous Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) in a Pediatric Patient at the End of Life: Case Report

Abstract

Here, we describe a case using intravenous acetaminophen in a pediatric patient at the end of life.

Cancer-Related Pain and Pain Management

“…Conversely, treatment plans preceding the palliative phase are primarily curative often at the cost of quality of life. In addition, the palliative phase is often accompanied by complications, such as difficulties with oral intake which prevent the administration of pain management drugs orally (Marks, Keefer, & Saul, 2013). These alter the nature of pain management during this phase.…”

Best Practice for Fever Management With Intravenous Acetaminophen in Pediatric Oncology

“…Implications from this line of research could then be used in the palliative care setting. One case study by Marks et al (2012) evaluated its utilization for both antipyretic and analgesic effects in a palliative care patient. Children nearing end-of-life and unable to tolerate anything by mouth may be served through access to medication that bypasses the oral route.…”

“…When delivered rectally, acetaminophen can create breaks in the skin, causing additional infections (Marks, Keefer, & Saul, 2012). In addition, the plasma concentration and thereby efficacy of rectal acetaminophen is 543018J POXXX10.1177/1043454214543018Journal of Pediatric Oncology NursingDokko research-article2014 1 University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA unpredictable and inconsistent because of its slow and varied absorption (Kett, Breitmeyer, Ang, & Royal, 2011).…”

“…Of the 2 conventional routes of acetaminophen delivery, rectal administration is discouraged in favor of oral. When delivered rectally, acetaminophen can create breaks in the skin, causing additional infections (Marks, Keefer, & Saul, 2012). In addition, the plasma concentration and thereby efficacy of rectal acetaminophen is unpredictable and inconsistent because of its slow and varied absorption (Kett, Breitmeyer, Ang, & Royal, 2011).…”