Pediatric Assessment PDF

Here are detailed notes about Pediatric Assessment, based on the provided source: Pediatric Assessment ​ It is important to understand the developmental stages of children to provide appropriate care and assessment. ​ The source provides an overview of the physical, cognitive, emotiona...

Here are detailed notes about Pediatric Assessment, based on the provided source: Pediatric Assessment ​ It is important to understand the developmental stages of children to provide appropriate care and assessment. ​ The source provides an overview of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from toddlers to adolescents. ​ The information can be used to guide nursing care and education for patients and their families. Toddler (1-3 years) ​ Toddlers are developing a sense of autonomy and are eager to explore the world around them. ​ They are also learning to control their bodies and emotions. ​ It is important to allow toddlers freedom of movement during assessments. ​ Using the toddler's preferred words for objects or actions can help with communication. ​ Involving toddlers in parallel play can also help to start communication. ​ Explain most steps of the assessment to the child and all steps to the caregiver. ​ Allowing the toddler to touch instruments can help to reduce fear and anxiety. ​ The most invasive parts of the assessment should be done last. ​ Weight gain is sporadic and non-linear during this stage. ​ Head size is not proportional to the body until 3 years of age. ​ Vision and hearing are developing rapidly. ​ Primitive reflexes are diminishing. ​ The respiratory system is still developing, and toddlers are prone to respiratory infections. ​ The heart rate decreases and blood pressure increases during this stage. ​ Organ growth in the gastrointestinal system is inconsistent, and bowel movements can vary. ​ Urinary function reaches adult levels by 16-24 months. ​ Muscle strength is increasing, but abdominal muscles are still weak. ​ The source provides a pain scale specifically for toddlers. ​ Common diseases in toddlers include ear infections, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, pink eye, dehydration, and croup. ​ Nursing considerations for toddlers include safety, nutrition, and promoting early learning. ​ It is important to educate parents on car seat safety, preventing injuries, and promoting healthy eating habits. Preschooler (3-6 years)  ​ Preschoolers are developing a sense of initiative and are eager to learn new things. ​ They are also developing their social skills and learning to interact with others. ​ When assessing a preschooler, it is important to allow them to sit on the exam table with a caregiver in close contact. ​ Using play puppets, storytelling, and imaginative play can help to make the assessment more enjoyable. ​ Speaking honestly and allowing for choices as appropriate can help to build trust. ​ Preparing the child about an hour ahead of a procedure can help to reduce anxiety. ​ Common diseases in preschoolers include fever, tonsillitis, whooping cough, gastroenteritis, and chickenpox. ​ Nursing considerations for preschoolers include safety, nutrition, and promoting early learning. ​ It is important to educate parents on poison prevention, car safety, and promoting healthy eating habits. School-Aged Child (6-12 years) ​ School-aged children are developing a sense of industry and are eager to achieve. ​ They are also developing their cognitive skills and learning to think more logically. ​ During assessments, school-aged children can sit on the exam table while maintaining contact with a caregiver. ​ Using diagrams, illustrations, books, and videos can help to explain procedures. ​ Using third-party stories can help to reduce anxiety. ​ Preparing the child a few days in advance for a procedure can help them to feel more in control. ​ Brain growth is complete by 10 years of age. ​ The respiratory system continues to develop, and respiratory rates decrease. ​ Blood pressure increases, and the pulse decreases. ​ All 20 baby teeth are lost and replaced with adult teeth. ​ Bladder capacity increases, and there are longer periods between voiding. ​ Prepubescence begins during this stage. ​ Bones continue to ossify but do not mineralize until maturity. ​ Lymphatic tissue grows until about age 9. ​ Common diseases in school-aged children include asthma, seizures, lice, and celiac disease. ​ Nursing considerations for school-aged children include safety, nutrition, and promoting learning and development. ​ It is important to educate parents on a broad range of safety techniques, including fire and car safety, internet safety, and bullying prevention. Adolescent (11-20 years)  ​ Adolescents are developing a sense of identity and are trying to figure out who they are. ​ They are also developing their abstract thinking skills and becoming more independent. ​ Exams can be conducted in the exam room with or without the caregiver present. ​ It is important to respect the adolescent's need for privacy. ​ Using appropriate medical terminology, creativity, and humor can help to build rapport. ​ Do not force the adolescent to speak. ​ Preparing the adolescent up to a week before a procedure can help to reduce anxiety. ​ Rapid growth changes occur during this stage, and body mass reaches adult size. ​ The brain continues to develop, but the size of the brain does not increase significantly. ​ The respiratory system continues to develop, and the respiratory rate decreases. ​ The heart increases in size and strength, and systolic blood pressure increases. ​ Wisdom teeth erupt between 17 and 20 years of age. ​ Sebaceous and sweat glands become active and fully functional. ​ Muscle mass and strength increase. ​ Puberty occurs during this stage, and secondary sex characteristics develop. ​ Common diseases in adolescents include drug overdose, blunt trauma, sexually transmitted infections, anxiety, ADHD, and depression. ​ Nursing considerations for adolescents include safety, nutrition, and development. ​ It is important to educate adolescents on safe sex, drug abuse prevention, and suicide prevention. Please note that these notes are based solely on the information provided in the source document. Additional research may be necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of pediatric assessment.