Medical Assistant: Pediatrics Flashcards

Pediatrics Overview

• Pediatrics is the medical science focused on diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses.

Age Classifications

• Newborns are defined as children under 3 months of age.
• Infants are classified as children from 3 months to 1 year old.
• Toddlers are defined as children aged 1 to 4 years.

Importance of Vital Signs

• Taking vital signs in pediatrics is essential for monitoring growth and development, as well as identifying potential diseases or disorders.

APGAR Test

• The APGAR test is performed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, assessing five criteria:
  • Appearance (color)
  • Pulse
  • Grimace (reflex response)
  • Activity (muscle tone)
  • Respiration
• A score above 7 on the APGAR indicates normal health.
• Scores between 4 and 6 are considered adequate, while scores below 4 are regarded as bad.

Temperature Measurement in Infants

• The most accurate way to measure an infant's temperature is via the rectal method.
• The rectal thermometer should be inserted about 1/2 inch for an accurate reading.
• Oral temperature measurement can be used for children over 5 years of age.
• Tympanic thermometers should not be used if the child has otitis media (an ear infection).
• Rectal temperatures are also not recommended if the child has diarrhea.

Pulse Measurement in Infants

• The most commonly used pulse sites for infants are:
  • Apical pulse
  • Brachial pulse
• Normal pulse range for infants typically varies, but reference values should be verified for clinical assessments.