Pediatric Nursing Procedures Quiz

Pediatric Nursing Procedures

• Head Circumference Measurement:

  • Normal values: 33-35 cm at birth, head circumference equals chest circumference at one year, head circumference less than chest circumference after one year.
  • Procedure:
    • Prepare equipment (measuring tape).
    • Explain procedure to child and parents.
    • Measure from the frontal bone above the eyebrows (2 cm), around the ears, and occipital prominence.
    • Record results.
    • Return and clean equipment.
    • Wash hands.

• Chest Circumference Measurement:

  • Normal values: 30.5–33 cm.
  • Procedure:
    • Prepare equipment (measuring tape).
    • Explain procedure to child and/or parents.
    • Remove child's upper clothing.
    • Place child in supine position (for infants) or standing position (for toddlers).
    • Measure across the nipple line.
    • Measure during inhalation and exhalation.
    • Record results.
    • Return and clean equipment.
    • Wash hands.

• Arm Circumference Measurement:

  • Importance: Early detection of malnutrition.
  • Procedure:
    • Flex child's right arm at 90-degree angle at elbow.
    • Mark midpoint between acromion and olecranon (posterior aspect of arm).
    • Wrap measuring tape around upper arm at midpoint.
    • Measure to nearest cm.
    • Record results.
    • Return and clean equipment.
    • Wash hands.

• Cord Care:

  • Purpose: Observe for anomalies, keep skin clean and dry, prevent infection and hemorrhage.
  • Procedure:
    • Remove waste products (from fetal circulation).
    • Ensure oxygen and nutrient passage (from mother circulation to fetal circulation).
    • Observe cord attachment (for abnormalities).
    • Keep skin clean and dry.
    • Prevent infection and hemorrhage.

• Umbilical Cord Care:

  • Factors affecting separation: treatment, delivery type, prenatal factors.
  • Factors delaying separation: hyperbilirubinemia, septicemia.
  • Average separation time: 7–14 days.
  • Procedure:
    • Position infant supine.
    • Wear gloves.
    • Observe cord for oozing, bleeding, redness, odor, or discharge.
    • Clean umbilical stump with alcohol in one direction.
    • Clean around umbilical cord.
    • Clean clamp.
    • Keep cord dry and expose to air.
    • Clean and return equipment.
    • Wash hands.
    • Record findings.

• Eye Care:

  • Purpose: Remove discharge or crusts, and soothe the eye.
  • Procedure:
    • Prepare necessary equipment (dry cotton balls, warm water or normal saline).
    • Explain procedure to child and parents.
    • Position child on their back, or seated with head supported in clean position.
    • Apply appropriate solution, or ointment.
    • Clean and return equipment.
    • Wash hands.
    • Document, monitor and report abnormalities.

Test your knowledge on pediatric nursing procedures, specifically focusing on head and chest circumference measurements. Understand the normal values and the correct steps to conduct these measurements effectively. This quiz is designed for nursing students and healthcare professionals working in pediatrics.