The most common surgical procedures of childhood involve the ear, nose and throat (ENT). Of the children presenting for these procedures, many have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, reactive airway disease and/or recurrent upper respiratory infections. The risk of fairway obstruction and other adverse events accompanies several of these disorders and perioperative opioid administration can increase this risk. In addition, clinical researchers and medical ethicists have linked perioperative opioid use in adolescents with future addiction potential. Many ENT procedures in children are done in facilities that are not primary pediatric centers with practitioners who do not provide anesthesia services for children often. Even experienced pediatric anesthetists can be challenged when doing these cases. As practitioners caring for children, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of non-opioid adjuncts such as dexmedetomidine, NSAIDs and acetaminophen promotes individualized care and best practices. In addition, an understanding of how to safely and efficaciously utilize opioid sparing and opioid free strategies for children having ENT procedures can allow for adequate perioperative analgesia while decreasing the risk of adverse events and contribute to the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis.

1. Describe the most frequently seen adverse events related to ENT procedures in children.
2. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of commonly used non-opioid analgesic adjuncts in children.
3. Discuss the ethical considerations related to the opioid epidemic and perioperative opioid use in children.

This program has been prior approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology for 1.0 Class A CE credits; Code Number 1044719; Expiration Date 2/20/2025. AANA designates this program as meeting the criteria for up to 1.0 CE Credits in pharmacology/therapeutics. 

Accreditation Information:
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. 

AANA is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, CEP #10862.

Disclosure Statement:
Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Post-Test Attempt Notice:
A minimum passing score of 80% is required to pass this course. You have TWO opportunities to achieve a passing score. If you fail to achieve a passing score of 80%, you will not receive CE credit for this course.

Content Disclaimer:
The views, information, or opinions expressed within the videos and audio are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.

Course content has been prepared by the presenter/developer, and each viewer agrees that the presenter/developer is solely responsible for the content and the accuracy thereof. The viewer agrees that the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology has no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content.

Refund Policy:
Continuing education activities are nonrefundable.