Nursing Preparation for Medical Procedures

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.

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!