Introduction: Pain has numerous unpleasant effects on a preterm infant. It is important that nurse relieve, evaluate and recognize it. Sick newborns and preterm infants often experience repetitive and long lasting pain caused by numerous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma work is to identify and present the recognition and management of pain in the preterm infants and describe the role of nurse in preventing pain. Methods: A descriptive method of work was used, with critical reading of publicly accessible sources of literature related to data from published articles. The data were obtained through the analysis of local and foreign professional and scientific literature. Local and foreign literature, published in the time frame from 2006 to 2016, was reviewed. Results: Several validated and reliable pain scales exist to measure acute pain in preterm infants. For the management of pain in preterm infants, both approaches, non – pharmacological and pharmacological are important, and above all, the ability of a nurse to recognize pain in time. Discussion and conclusion: Managing pain presents one of the fundamental human rights, and an necessary part of the holistic treatment of preterm infants. Prevention is the key component in managing pain. It is necessary to follow written guidelines and protocols based on evidences on the principles of minimal handling and limiting harmful stimuli. When the painful procedure cannot be avoided, it is reasonable to use a tire approach. Nurses agreed that preterm infants feels and express pain. Problems are indicated at the observation and assessment in the use of pain scales. Despite the written guidelines, the pain relief treatment in preterm infants is still not used enough. Unrecognized or untreated acute and chronic pain is mainly reflected in the brain and thus on the child's development. Observing and assessing pain is a difficult task for health professionals. All members of the health team should be constantly educated, involved into research work and to participate in muldisciplinary teams, where nurses, doctors, anaesthetists, pharmacists, psychologists and physiotherapists cooperate with each other and deals with neonatal pain. The well being of preterm infants should be a challenge for further research work in this area.
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