Nursing Tips

Pediatric Nursing (62)

Mumps (Paramyxovirus) may lead to swelling of the testes and parotid glands. Monitor for airway compromise.

Mumps (Paramyxovirus)

Cathy Parkes

Mumps (Paramyxovirus) may lead to swelling of the testes and parotid glands. Monitor for airway compromise. 

Mumps (Paramyxovirus)

Cathy Parkes

Mumps (Paramyxovirus) may lead to swelling of the testes and parotid glands. Monitor for airway compromise. 

Measles (Rubeola) is a highly contagious illness preventable through vaccination.

Measles (Rubeola)

Cathy Parkes

Measles (Rubeola) is a highly contagious illness preventable through vaccination.

Measles (Rubeola)

Cathy Parkes

Measles (Rubeola) is a highly contagious illness preventable through vaccination.

Intussusception is a condition marked by the small intestine "telescoping" in on itself and causing an obstruction.

Intussusception

Cathy Parkes

Intussusception is a condition marked by the small intestine "telescoping" in on itself and causing an obstruction.

Intussusception

Cathy Parkes

Intussusception is a condition marked by the small intestine "telescoping" in on itself and causing an obstruction.

If an infant has not passed meconium within the first 48 hours of life, they should be evaluated for Hirschsprung Disease. A colostomy may be needed in this case after surgical removal of the affected portion of the colon.

Hirschsprung Disease

Cathy Parkes

If an infant has not passed meconium within the first 48 hours of life, they should be evaluated for Hirschsprung Disease. A colostomy may be needed in this case after...

Hirschsprung Disease

Cathy Parkes

If an infant has not passed meconium within the first 48 hours of life, they should be evaluated for Hirschsprung Disease. A colostomy may be needed in this case after...

It is vital to avoid palpating the abdomen of a child with Wilms Tumor, as this may cause cancer to spread.

Wilms Tumor - Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

It is vital to avoid palpating the abdomen of a child with Wilms Tumor, as this may cause cancer to spread.

Wilms Tumor - Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

It is vital to avoid palpating the abdomen of a child with Wilms Tumor, as this may cause cancer to spread.

If a breastfed child presents with oral thrush (candidiasis), the breastfeeding mother must also be treated in order to prevent passing the fungus back and forth.

Candidiasis

Cathy Parkes

If a breastfed child presents with oral thrush (candidiasis), the breastfeeding mother must also be treated in order to prevent passing the fungus back and forth.

Candidiasis

Cathy Parkes

If a breastfed child presents with oral thrush (candidiasis), the breastfeeding mother must also be treated in order to prevent passing the fungus back and forth.

Between 4 - 6 years of age a child should receive Varicella, DTaP, IPV, and MMR vaccinations.

Pediatric Vaccinations

Cathy Parkes

Between 4 - 6 years of age a child should receive Varicella, DTaP, IPV, and MMR vaccinations.

Pediatric Vaccinations

Cathy Parkes

Between 4 - 6 years of age a child should receive Varicella, DTaP, IPV, and MMR vaccinations.

Along with the normal vaccination schedule, children should receive their seasonal influenza vaccine beginning at 6 months of age.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Cathy Parkes

Along with the normal vaccination schedule, children should receive their seasonal influenza vaccine beginning at 6 months of age.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Cathy Parkes

Along with the normal vaccination schedule, children should receive their seasonal influenza vaccine beginning at 6 months of age.

Educate caregivers that after a vaccine it is normal for a child to have pain at the injection site, rash, or a fever.

Post-vaccine Care for Children

Cathy Parkes

Educate caregivers that after a vaccine it is normal for a child to have pain at the injection site, rash, or a fever. Instruct caregivers that while pain relievers may...

Post-vaccine Care for Children

Cathy Parkes

Educate caregivers that after a vaccine it is normal for a child to have pain at the injection site, rash, or a fever. Instruct caregivers that while pain relievers may...

Fifth's Disease (Parvovirus-B19) has a classic finding of a "slapped cheek" rash on the face.

Fifth's Disease

Cathy Parkes

Fifth's Disease (Parvovirus-B19) has a classic finding of a "slapped cheek" rash on the face.

1 comment

Fifth's Disease

Cathy Parkes

Fifth's Disease (Parvovirus-B19) has a classic finding of a "slapped cheek" rash on the face.

1 comment
If a child is born with Hypospadias or Epispadias (abnormal placement of the urethral meatus on the penis), circumcision should be delayed, as the foreskin may be needed for reconstructive surgery.

Hypospadias and Epispadias

Cathy Parkes

If a child is born with Hypospadias or Epispadias (abnormal placement of the urethral meatus on the penis), circumcision should be delayed, as the foreskin may be needed for reconstructive...

Hypospadias and Epispadias

Cathy Parkes

If a child is born with Hypospadias or Epispadias (abnormal placement of the urethral meatus on the penis), circumcision should be delayed, as the foreskin may be needed for reconstructive...

For Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome a surgery in three stages is required: First the Norwood procedure, then the Glenn Shunt, and finally the Fontan procedure.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Cathy Parkes

For Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome a surgery in three stages is required: First the Norwood procedure, then the Glenn Shunt, and finally the Fontan procedure.

1 comment

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Cathy Parkes

For Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome a surgery in three stages is required: First the Norwood procedure, then the Glenn Shunt, and finally the Fontan procedure.

1 comment
Failure to Thrive (FTT) is indicated by a child's weight being less than the fifth percentile. Assess for both organic causes and parental bonding/care of the child.

Failure to Thrive (FTT)

Cathy Parkes

Failure to Thrive (FTT) is indicated by a child's weight being less than the fifth percentile. Assess for both organic causes and parental bonding/care of the child.

Failure to Thrive (FTT)

Cathy Parkes

Failure to Thrive (FTT) is indicated by a child's weight being less than the fifth percentile. Assess for both organic causes and parental bonding/care of the child.

Positional plagiocephaly is cranial asymmetry caused by prolonged pressure on one side of the skull. A child with this diagnosis may require helmet therapy, where a custom-made helmet is worn up to 23 hours per day for ~ 3 months.

Positional Plagiocephaly

Cathy Parkes

Positional plagiocephaly is cranial asymmetry caused by prolonged pressure on one side of the skull. A child with this diagnosis may require helmet therapy, where a custom-made helmet is worn...

Positional Plagiocephaly

Cathy Parkes

Positional plagiocephaly is cranial asymmetry caused by prolonged pressure on one side of the skull. A child with this diagnosis may require helmet therapy, where a custom-made helmet is worn...

The most common seizure disorder in children is febrile seizures.

Febrile Seizures

Cathy Parkes

The most common seizure disorder in children is febrile seizures.

Febrile Seizures

Cathy Parkes

The most common seizure disorder in children is febrile seizures.

Authoritarian parents are those who are strict and require high control but offer little warmth. Authoritative parents have moderate-high control, but offer high amounts of warmth.

Authoritarian vs. Authoritative Parenting

Cathy Parkes

Authoritarian parents are those who are strict and require high control but offer little warmth. Authoritative parents have moderate-high control, but offer high amounts of warmth. 

Authoritarian vs. Authoritative Parenting

Cathy Parkes

Authoritarian parents are those who are strict and require high control but offer little warmth. Authoritative parents have moderate-high control, but offer high amounts of warmth. 

When performing a Snellen exam for visual acuity, an adult should stand 20 feet away from the chart, but a child should stand 10 feet from the chart.

Performing a Snellen Exam

Cathy Parkes

When performing a Snellen exam for visual acuity, an adult should stand 20 feet away from the chart, but a child should stand 10 feet from the chart.

Performing a Snellen Exam

Cathy Parkes

When performing a Snellen exam for visual acuity, an adult should stand 20 feet away from the chart, but a child should stand 10 feet from the chart.

When caring for a child with appendicitis, report to the provider any sudden relief of pain. This may indicate that the appendix has perforated and requires emergency surgery!

Appendicitis: Family Teaching

Cathy Parkes

When caring for a child with appendicitis, report to the provider any sudden relief of pain. This may indicate that the appendix has perforated and requires emergency surgery!

Appendicitis: Family Teaching

Cathy Parkes

When caring for a child with appendicitis, report to the provider any sudden relief of pain. This may indicate that the appendix has perforated and requires emergency surgery!

When caring for a child with pheochromocytoma, be sure not to palpate the abdomen. Palpation can cause a sudden release of catecholamines, triggering severe hypertension!

Pheochromocytoma in Children

Cathy Parkes

When caring for a child with pheochromocytoma, be sure not to palpate the abdomen. Palpation can cause a sudden release of catecholamines, triggering severe hypertension!

Pheochromocytoma in Children

Cathy Parkes

When caring for a child with pheochromocytoma, be sure not to palpate the abdomen. Palpation can cause a sudden release of catecholamines, triggering severe hypertension!

At approximately 1 year of age, a child should begin using "holophrases," which are one-word sentences. By age 2 the child should use more than 50 words and 2 - 3 word phrases.

Holophrases

Cathy Parkes

At approximately 1 year of age, a child should begin using "holophrases," which are one-word sentences. By age 2 the child should use more than 50 words and 2 -...

Holophrases

Cathy Parkes

At approximately 1 year of age, a child should begin using "holophrases," which are one-word sentences. By age 2 the child should use more than 50 words and 2 -...

A child with scabies is likely to exhibit white lines in between fingers, toes, or skin folds. The whole family should be examined and treated!

Scabies in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with scabies is likely to exhibit white lines in between fingers, toes, or skin folds. The whole family should be examined and treated!

Scabies in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with scabies is likely to exhibit white lines in between fingers, toes, or skin folds. The whole family should be examined and treated!

A child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta may exhibit a blue color of the sclera. Be sure to report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Osteogenesis in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta may exhibit a blue color of the sclera. Be sure to report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

Osteogenesis in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta may exhibit a blue color of the sclera. Be sure to report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

A child with meningocele or myelomeningocele is at risk for injury due to the exposed spinal cord. Cover the sac with sterile, saline-moistened, non-adherent dressing. Place infant prone with the hips flexed.

Meningocele and Myelomeningocele in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with meningocele or myelomeningocele is at risk for injury due to the exposed spinal cord. Cover the sac with sterile, saline-moistened, non-adherent dressing. Place infant prone with the...

Meningocele and Myelomeningocele in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with meningocele or myelomeningocele is at risk for injury due to the exposed spinal cord. Cover the sac with sterile, saline-moistened, non-adherent dressing. Place infant prone with the...

A child with meningitis is likely to have a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, nuchal (neck) rigidity, photophobia, and positive Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs.

Meningitis in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with meningitis is likely to have a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, nuchal (neck) rigidity, photophobia, and + Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs. 

Meningitis in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with meningitis is likely to have a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, nuchal (neck) rigidity, photophobia, and + Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs. 

A child with Sickle Cell Anemia experiencing vaso-occlusive crisis should be treated with scheduled opioid analgesia (non-opioid analgesia will not be sufficient!).

Sick Cell Anemia and Vaso-occlusive Crisis

Cathy Parkes

A child with Sickle Cell Anemia experiencing vaso-occlusive crisis should be treated with scheduled opioid analgesia (non-opioid analgesia will not be sufficient!).

Sick Cell Anemia and Vaso-occlusive Crisis

Cathy Parkes

A child with Sickle Cell Anemia experiencing vaso-occlusive crisis should be treated with scheduled opioid analgesia (non-opioid analgesia will not be sufficient!).

A child with Meckel's Diverticulum is likely to exhibit painless rectal bleeding and stool with the consistency and appearance of "currant jelly."

Meckel's Diverticulum

Cathy Parkes

A child with Meckel's Diverticulum is likely to exhibit painless rectal bleeding and stool with the consistency and appearance of "currant jelly."

Meckel's Diverticulum

Cathy Parkes

A child with Meckel's Diverticulum is likely to exhibit painless rectal bleeding and stool with the consistency and appearance of "currant jelly."

A child with infective endocarditis will require IV antibiotics via PICC line for 2 - 6 weeks, and may require a valve repair or replacement.

Infective Endocarditis in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with infective endocarditis will require IV antibiotics via PICC line for 2 - 6 weeks, and may require a valve repair or replacement.

Infective Endocarditis in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child with infective endocarditis will require IV antibiotics via PICC line for 2 - 6 weeks, and may require a valve repair or replacement.

A child with Hemophilia A is deficient in Factor VIII. In Hemophilia B the deficiency is with Factor IX. Treatment of these conditions will include replacement of the missing factor, desmopressin, and aminocaproic acid.

Hemophilia in Children: Signs and Treatment

Cathy Parkes

A child with Hemophilia A is deficient in Factor VIII. In Hemophilia B the deficiency is with Factor IX. Treatment of these conditions will include replacement of the missing factor,...

Hemophilia in Children: Signs and Treatment

Cathy Parkes

A child with Hemophilia A is deficient in Factor VIII. In Hemophilia B the deficiency is with Factor IX. Treatment of these conditions will include replacement of the missing factor,...

A child with Growth Hormone Deficiency would have an average birth weight/length, but show delayed growth through childhood.

Growth Hormone Deficiency

Cathy Parkes

A child with Growth Hormone Deficiency would have an average birth weight/length, but show delayed growth through childhood.

Growth Hormone Deficiency

Cathy Parkes

A child with Growth Hormone Deficiency would have an average birth weight/length, but show delayed growth through childhood.

A child with a head injury is at risk for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP).

Intracranial Pressure (ICP); Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

A child with a head injury is at risk for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Nursing care to decrease ICP includes reducing hypercapnia by hyperventilating the patient, avoiding oral suctioning, keeping...

Intracranial Pressure (ICP); Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

A child with a head injury is at risk for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Nursing care to decrease ICP includes reducing hypercapnia by hyperventilating the patient, avoiding oral suctioning, keeping...

A child with Chickenpox (Varicella) is contagious until all lesions have crusted over. Educate families to keep them at home and away from others until this time.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Cathy Parkes

A child with Chickenpox (Varicella) is contagious until all lesions have crusted over. Educate families to keep them at home and away from others until this time.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Cathy Parkes

A child with Chickenpox (Varicella) is contagious until all lesions have crusted over. Educate families to keep them at home and away from others until this time.

A child with ADHD may be treated with CNS stimulants such as amphetamine mixtures or methylphenidate.

ADHD in Children: Treatment and Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

A child with ADHD may be treated with CNS stimulants such as amphetamine mixtures or methylphenidate. 

ADHD in Children: Treatment and Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

A child with ADHD may be treated with CNS stimulants such as amphetamine mixtures or methylphenidate. 

A child who presents with an abnormal tuft of hair, a dimple, or a birthmark on the spine should be evaluated for spina bifida occulta, a form of spina bifida. Report these findings to the provider.

Spina Bifida Occulta

Cathy Parkes

A child who presents with an abnormal tuft of hair, a dimple, or a birthmark on the spine should be evaluated for spina bifida occulta, a form of spina bifida....

Spina Bifida Occulta

Cathy Parkes

A child who presents with an abnormal tuft of hair, a dimple, or a birthmark on the spine should be evaluated for spina bifida occulta, a form of spina bifida....

A child who appears to be frequently "day dreaming" or often exhibits blank staring, eye fluttering, lip smacking, or picking at clothes should be evaluated for absence seizures.

Absence Seizures: Signs and Symptoms

Cathy Parkes

A child who appears to be frequently "day dreaming" or often exhibits blank staring, eye fluttering, lip smacking, or picking at clothes should be evaluated for absence seizures.

Absence Seizures: Signs and Symptoms

Cathy Parkes

A child who appears to be frequently "day dreaming" or often exhibits blank staring, eye fluttering, lip smacking, or picking at clothes should be evaluated for absence seizures.

A child demonstrating oliguria, cola-colored urine, and signs/symptoms of hypervolemia following a recent streptococcal infection (strep throat) should be evaluated for Acute Glomerulonephritis. Restrict fluids, sodium, and protein.

Acute Glomerulonephritis: Signs and Symptoms

Cathy Parkes

A child demonstrating oliguria, cola-colored urine, and signs/symptoms of hypervolemia following a recent streptococcal infection (strep throat) should be evaluated for Acute Glomerulonephritis.

Acute Glomerulonephritis: Signs and Symptoms

Cathy Parkes

A child demonstrating oliguria, cola-colored urine, and signs/symptoms of hypervolemia following a recent streptococcal infection (strep throat) should be evaluated for Acute Glomerulonephritis.

KEY symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta: elevated BP and bounding pulses in the arms, decreased BP and pulses in the legs.

Key Symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta

Cathy Parkes

KEY symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta: elevated BP and bounding pulses in the arms, decreased BP and pulses in the legs.

Key Symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta

Cathy Parkes

KEY symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta: elevated BP and bounding pulses in the arms, decreased BP and pulses in the legs.

KEY symptoms of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus: machine-hum murmur, bounding pulses, and wide pulse pressure.

Key Symptoms of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Cathy Parkes

KEY symptoms of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus: machine-hum murmur, bounding pulses, and wide pulse pressure.

Key Symptoms of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Cathy Parkes

KEY symptoms of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus: machine-hum murmur, bounding pulses, and wide pulse pressure.

Signs/Symptoms of Autism

Signs and Symptoms of Autism

Cathy Parkes

Key signs/symptoms of Autism: Lack of eye contact Repetitive motions/actions Delayed speech and language skills Strict adherence to routines Unusual eating or sleeping habits Digestive problems.

Signs and Symptoms of Autism

Cathy Parkes

Key signs/symptoms of Autism: Lack of eye contact Repetitive motions/actions Delayed speech and language skills Strict adherence to routines Unusual eating or sleeping habits Digestive problems.

Immunizations in first 6 months

Immunizations in first 6 months

Cathy Parkes

IMMUNIZATIONS IN FIRST 6  MONTHS Birth = "B" Hep B 2 Months = "B. Dr. HIP" Hep B, DTAP, RV, Hib, IPV, PCV 4 months = "Dr. HIP" DTAP, RV,...

Immunizations in first 6 months

Cathy Parkes

IMMUNIZATIONS IN FIRST 6  MONTHS Birth = "B" Hep B 2 Months = "B. Dr. HIP" Hep B, DTAP, RV, Hib, IPV, PCV 4 months = "Dr. HIP" DTAP, RV,...

In toddlers, parallel play is expected.  Parallel play means that children play independently NEXT to other children. Toddlers do not typically engage in cooperative play.

Parallel Play in Children

Cathy Parkes

In toddlers, parallel play is expected. Parallel play means that children play independently NEXT to other children.

Parallel Play in Children

Cathy Parkes

In toddlers, parallel play is expected. Parallel play means that children play independently NEXT to other children.

A child who is crying without producing tears should be evaluated for severe dehydration.  In this case a child may also have deeply sunken eyes, little to no urine output, have lost > 10% of their body weight, and could have capillary refill > 4 seconds.

Severe Dehydration in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child who is crying without producing tears should be evaluated for severe dehydration.

Severe Dehydration in Children

Cathy Parkes

A child who is crying without producing tears should be evaluated for severe dehydration.

For intramuscular injections under 1 year old, use vastus lateralis muscle!

Injections for infants

Cathy Parkes

For intramuscular injections under 1 year old, use vastus lateralis muscle!

Injections for infants

Cathy Parkes

For intramuscular injections under 1 year old, use vastus lateralis muscle!

Giving Medication to Children - LevelUpRN

Giving Medication to Children

Cathy Parkes

Educate families that when giving medication to children, they must use a calibrated device

Giving Medication to Children

Cathy Parkes

Educate families that when giving medication to children, they must use a calibrated device

Early signs of increased ICP in infants:  Irritability, high-pitched cry, poor feeding, bulging fontanels, separation of cranial sutures “setting-sun” phenomenon.

Early Signs of Increased ICP in Infants

Cathy Parkes

Early signs of increased ICP in infants: irritability, high-pitched cry, poor feeding, “setting-sun” phenomenon, bulging fontanels, separation of cranial sutures.

1 comment

Early Signs of Increased ICP in Infants

Cathy Parkes

Early signs of increased ICP in infants: irritability, high-pitched cry, poor feeding, “setting-sun” phenomenon, bulging fontanels, separation of cranial sutures.

1 comment
Crib safety: Place infants on BACK to sleep. Do not place anything in the crib with the baby. Ensure crib slats are ≤ 2 3/8 inches apart. Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die of SIDS than babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides!

Crib Safety

Cathy Parkes

Crib safety: Infants on back to sleep, nothing in crib, and width of crib slats

Crib Safety

Cathy Parkes

Crib safety: Infants on back to sleep, nothing in crib, and width of crib slats

2 key beliefs of preschoolers:  (1) Magical thinking: Thoughts can cause events to occur. (2) Animism: Inanimate objects are alive.

Key Beliefs of Preschoolers

Cathy Parkes

2 Key beliefs of preschoolers: (1) Magical thinking: thoughts can cause events to occur, and (2) Animism: inanimate objects are alive.

Key Beliefs of Preschoolers

Cathy Parkes

2 Key beliefs of preschoolers: (1) Magical thinking: thoughts can cause events to occur, and (2) Animism: inanimate objects are alive.

Infants should DOUBLE their birthweight by 6 months, and TRIPLE their birthweight by 1 year.

Infant weight gain

Cathy Parkes

Infants should DOUBLE their birthweight by 6 months, and TRIPLE their birthweight by 1 year.

Infant weight gain

Cathy Parkes

Infants should DOUBLE their birthweight by 6 months, and TRIPLE their birthweight by 1 year.

After a tonsillectomy, monitor for frequent swallowing or throat clearing - this may indicate bleeding at the incision site!  Family teaching after a tonsillectomy: no red liquids, straws, spicy, hot, or crispy/coarse foods.

Indications of Bleeding After a Tonsillectomy

Cathy Parkes

After a tonsillectomy, monitor for frequent swallowing or clearing of the throat. This can indicate bleeding at the incision site!

Indications of Bleeding After a Tonsillectomy

Cathy Parkes

After a tonsillectomy, monitor for frequent swallowing or clearing of the throat. This can indicate bleeding at the incision site!