Pediatrics: Infant Care Essentials

Study Notes

Nursing Bottle Caries

Develops when sweetened drinks or pacifiers dipped in sugar are given, particularly at nap time or at night.
Sugar sticks to teeth, allowing mouth bacteria to convert sugar into acids that attack teeth.
Leads to tooth decay.

Vital Signs

Measurements of the inner workings of the human body.
Include body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

Thermometer

Essential tool for caregivers.
Used to measure temperature.

Signs of Distress or Discomfort in Infants & Toddlers

"Sitting on air" – legs straight, butt in the air.
Maintaining a flexed position (fetal position).
Spreading out (splaying) fingers.
Salute (hands blocking face).
Looking away (averting gaze).

Diaper Rash

Can be a stubborn problem for some babies and their caregivers.
Caused by various factors, including:
- Inadequately sterilized diapers.
- Excessively wet diapers.
- Inadequate cleaning of baby's bottom.

Radial Artery

Easiest location to find a pulse.
Found on the inside of the wrist closest to the thumb.

Respiration Rate

Also known as breathing rate.
Measures the number of breaths taken per minute.

Socioeconomic Factors

Influence an individual's life outcomes.
Include education, income, occupation, and place of residence.

Hand Sanitizer

Use when soap and water are not available.
Should contain at least 60–70% alcohol.

Hand Sanitizer Facts

True: Hand sanitizers may not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.
True: Sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.

Heart Rate

True: Heart rate or pulse is the number of times a heart beats per minute, not per second.
False: When taking pulse rate, use two or three fingers to press firmly but gently on the wrist until you feel a pulse. Do not use the thumb.

Baby Care

True: Offer a feed when your baby is hungry. Babies cry for various reasons besides hunger.
True: Always make sure your baby's clothes are comfortable. Loose-fitting, oversized clothes are recommended.

Milk Warming

False: The easiest and safest way to warm refrigerated or frozen milk is by using a warm water bath.

Oral Thermometers

False: Avoid using oral thermometers on individuals with a history of seizures.

Introducing New Foods to Babies

True: Try giving one new food to the baby only once every 2-3 days to monitor digestion.

Formula Storage

False: Formula left out of the refrigerator for longer than one hour or not used within 24 hours is unsafe, regardless of taste.

Handwashing

True: Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds when handwashing.

Personality Development

True: The id is the only component of personality present from birth.

Single Respiration

True: A single respiration count consists of one chest rising (inhalation) and falling (exhalation).

Vital Signs Before Bathing

Body temperature
Heart rate
Respiration rate

Infant Massages

Swedish massage
Indian massage
Reflexology

Burping Positions/Techniques

Over the shoulder
Sitting upright
Lying on the stomach

Rubber Mat Uses

Bathroom floors
Kitchen floors
Baby's play area

Crib Procedures

Make sure the crib mattress fits snugly
Lower the mattress to the lowest setting
Use the side rails
Do not place anything in the crib with the baby
Ensure the crib is away from windows and heat sources

Infant Diet

Breast milk or formula is the primary food source for infants.
Introduce solid foods gradually, one at a time, starting at around 6 months of age.
Solid food options:
- Fruits
Vegetables
Grains
Meat
Dairy products

Essential Infant Supplements

Vitamin D: Support bone health.
Iron: Prevent iron-deficiency anemia.

Main Vital Signs

Body temperature.
Heart rate.
Blood pressure.
Respiration rate.

Pulse Sites & Locations

Radial: Inside of the wrist, closest to the thumb.
Brachial: Inside of the elbow, on the upper arm.
Carotid: On the side of the neck, along the carotid artery.
Femoral: In the groin area, along the femoral artery.

Description

This quiz covers essential topics in infant care, including nursing bottle caries, vital signs, thermometer use, signs of distress in infants, and diaper rash. Test your knowledge on these important aspects of caring for infants and toddlers.

Pediatrics: Infant Care Essentials

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the feeding of infants?

Oral thermometers are safe for individuals with a history of seizures.

What are three vital signs to check before bathing an infant or toddler?

Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of ______.

Match the following burping positions with their descriptions:

_______ happens when sweetened drinks or sugar-dipped pacifiers are given to children, providing conditions for tooth decay.

Which of the following are measurements of the inner workings of the human body?

Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.

What tool allows caregivers to measure temperature?

Identify the condition that is a common sign that infants may need a break.

Heart rate or pulse is the number of times the heart beats per second.

Match the terms to their definitions:

What minimum percentage of alcohol should hand sanitizers contain to be effective?