Chronic pain and the child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

This article presents a summary of nursing issues concerning the assessment and management of pain in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Following a brief description of the difference between acute and chronic pain and a description of JRA, the developmental issues relating to pain assessment in this population are discussed. Three pain assessment tool alternatives are presented. Finally, current strategies for pain relief and treatment of children with JRA are presented.