Pediatric Developmental Considerations

A stage in early childhood where a child's main focus is developing a sense of self-reliance and independence. If they succeed, they gain confidence and feel capable. If not, they may feel shame and doubt their abilities.

A stage in early childhood where a child's focus is on exploring their world and trying new things. They feel a sense of initiative and want to be involved. If they are encouraged and supported, they develop a sense of purpose. If not, they may feel guilty and reluctant to act.

The concept that objects still exist even when they are out of sight. This milestone is typically reached around 9 months of age.

A fear of being separated from their parents or primary caregivers. This is a common fear in infants and young children.

A fear of strangers, usually developing between 6 months and 18 months. It is a natural response as babies become more aware of their surroundings.

A state of being preoccupied with their own needs and perspectives, common in young children.

A fear of bodily harm or mutilation, common in preschool-aged children. They may have a fear of needles, doctors, or other medical procedures.

A fear of the unknown, darkness, or being left alone. This is a common fear in preschool-aged children.

A stage in infancy where a child's focus is on developing trust in their caregivers. If their needs are met consistently, they develop a sense of trust and security. If not, they may develop mistrust and insecurity.

A calm and reassuring environment helps the child feel safe and secure, allowing them to cooperate better during procedures.

This developmental stage is focused on developing a sense of competence and purpose in life by mastering skills and learning to contribute to society. If children are encouraged and supported in their efforts at this stage, they will gain confidence and a sense of achievement. However, if they experience repeated failures or criticisms, they may develop feelings of inferiority and doubt their abilities.

This stage is characterized by a process of self-discovery and identity formation. Teenagers experiment with different roles, values, and beliefs as they try to understand who they are and their place in the world. Positive experiences during this stage can lead to a strong sense of self and a clear sense of purpose, while negative experiences can result in confusion about their identity and future direction.

This stage is characterized by a child's emerging ability to understand the rules and expectations of their environment. They become increasingly aware of social norms and begin to integrate themselves into their community.

This stage sees children developing advanced cognitive abilities and a growing understanding of concepts such as cause and effect, time, and space. They are capable of following complex instructions and can participate actively in treatment decisions.

This stage is defined by a child's heightened awareness of their own body and their social relationships.

Using a comforting item, like a blanket or stuffed animal, can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of security for a child during a potentially stressful procedure.

Topical anesthetics can be applied to the skin to numb the area where a vascular access device (VAD) will be inserted. This can help reduce discomfort and pain during the procedure.

Cold and vibration can help distract and desensitize the skin, making the VAD insertion less painful.

Positioning the child in a way that is comfortable and minimizes stress can help make the VAD insertion procedure easier and less frightening.

Distraction techniques can help redirect a child's focus away from the VAD insertion procedure.