Nursing Preparation for Medical Procedures

Questions and Answers

What is one of the most important tasks for the nurse?

Preparing the child. Children fear pain, bodily injury.

What are the two most important things for a nurse to establish?

Knowledge

Trust (correct)

Experience

Honesty (correct)

How should you prepare an infant for a shot?

Explain the procedure and provide comfort.

What is the best way to prepare a toddler for a shot?

Explain and comfort. Signup and view all the answers

How should you prepare a preschooler for a shot?

Explain procedure, let them play with equipment, and clarify it's not punishment. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to prepare a school-aged child for a shot?

Use drawings, let them touch equipment, and praise them. Signup and view all the answers

How should you prepare a teen for a shot?

Explain and praise. Signup and view all the answers

Where should procedures always be performed?

In the treatment room. Signup and view all the answers

Should parents be asked to participate in restraining a child during procedures?

No. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of comfort should be provided after procedures?

Examples include band-aids and stickers. Signup and view all the answers

What precautions should be taken during bathing a child?

Never leave a child alone during the bathing process. Signup and view all the answers

What should never be used on a baby?

Baby powder. Signup and view all the answers

What device should be used for suctioning?

Bulb syringe. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing you would do for a child with a rectal temperature of 105.2 degrees F?

Administer Tylenol or Motrin. Signup and view all the answers

What can a high temperature in children cause?

Febrile seizures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a sponge bath used for in children?

To reduce fever. Signup and view all the answers

What does specific gravity of urine indicate?

The child's hydration status and kidney ability to concentrate/dilute urine. Signup and view all the answers

How can urine be obtained from a diaper?

Using a syringe. Signup and view all the answers

What should be present in healthy children regarding protein?

Little or no albumin (protein). Signup and view all the answers

When are throat cultures ordered?

When sore throat or strep infection is suspected. Signup and view all the answers

What should you never attempt if epiglottitis is suspected?

Throat culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is performed to obtain spinal fluid?

Lumbar puncture. Signup and view all the answers

What should always be monitored after a lumbar puncture?

Respiratory status for potential airway obstruction. Signup and view all the answers

If epiglottitis is suspected, what should not be done?

Attempt a throat culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility regarding administering medications?

It is serious and must be done carefully. Signup and view all the answers

How are pediatric medications typically prescribed?

In milligrams per kilogram of body weight per 24 hours. Signup and view all the answers

What is the color of normal spinal fluid?

Clear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate dose calculation method for pediatric patients?

Body surface area (BSA). Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred route of medication administration in children?

Oral. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges can occur with oral medications in children?

Vomiting, refusal, or malabsorption. Signup and view all the answers

What should never be used as an important nutrient source in children?

Orange juice. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preparation for Medical Procedures

One critical nursing task is preparing the child for procedures to alleviate their fear of pain and bodily injury.
Two essential elements for effective communication with children are honesty and trust.
Preparation varies by age; for infants, explain the procedure and provide comfort.
For toddlers (around 12 months), utilize comforting explanations about the procedure.
Preschoolers exhibit magical thinking; explain procedures, allow play with equipment, clarify that the shot isn't punishment, and may require restraint.
School-aged children benefit from visual aids and tactile interactions; use drawing and touching equipment while offering praise.
Teenagers require straightforward explanations along with positive reinforcement.

Conducting Medical Procedures

Always perform procedures in a designated treatment room to maintain a focused and safe environment.
Restrain children only when necessary; do not involve parents in restraining the child.
Continuously provide comfort post-procedures with incentives like band-aids and stickers.

Bathing and Hygiene

Never leave a child unattended during bathing, allow independence regarding bathing times.
Avoid using baby powder due to potential respiratory issues and allergies.

Respiratory Considerations

Use a bulb syringe for suctioning; immediately assess the child's condition after suctioning for signs of respiratory distress and use proper suctioning technique to prevent aspiration.

Managing Fever and Temperature

For a child with a rectal temperature of 105.2°F, administer Tylenol or Motrin for fever reduction.
High temperatures in children can lead to febrile seizures.
Tepid sponge baths can help reduce fever but avoid shivering, which can increase body temperature; bath duration should be about 20 minutes and water should be warm but not hot or cold.

Urine Analysis and Hydration

Specific gravity of urine indicates hydration status, with a normal range between 1.005-1.030.
Urine samples can be collected from diapers using a syringe, though this method is not sterile.

Understanding Albumin and Cultures

Healthy children should have little to no albumin (protein) present in their urine.
Throat cultures are performed when a sore throat or strep infection is suspected; caution is needed with epiglottitis to prevent airway obstruction.

Diagnostic Procedures

Lumbar punctures are carried out to obtain spinal fluid for diagnosis; normal spinal fluid is clear, and pressure should be between 60-180 mm Hg. Proper positioning is crucial.
Monitor respiratory status post-lumbar puncture, as neck flexion may pose a risk for airway obstruction.

Medication Administration

Administering pediatric medications requires careful consideration; many drugs are unsuitable for children due to potential toxicity.
Dosage for pediatric medications is calculated in milligrams per kilogram of body weight per 24 hours.
Always consult the hospital formulary for drug safety and double-check any unclear orders.
The most accurate method for dose calculation in pediatric patients is by using Body Surface Area (BSA).
Oral medications are preferred but may not be feasible for younger children due to vomiting or refusal; ensure proper administration methods for liquid forms.
Avoid mixing medications with nutrient-dense sources like orange juice to prevent aversions.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the critical nursing responsibilities involved in preparing children for medical procedures. It covers preparation techniques tailored to different age groups, effective communication, and the importance of a safe environment. Test your knowledge on these vital nursing skills!