Question

week 6. pediatric

1. Describe the care of a child with Autism Spectrum disorder.

2. Describe the care of a child with down syndrome. As a nurse what will you be monitored for.

Answer 1

1.

In case of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children there are problems in communication and social interaction. They are highly sensitive to external sensory stimuli than other children. Hence there are various cases of anxiety & they are unable to maintain their active participation in a high technology environment. Moreover children having the ASD have restricted behavioral functions and show some stereotype behavior.

Hence caring for children with autism spectrum disorders is very sensible and challenging task for the family as well as nursing staffs

Hence there are some tips for effective care in this case:

First of all there is need to create a non-stimulating and safe environment, and then there is need to talk with the parents of the children.

Then make a proper plan as per the best suited time/schedule. If possible involve the parents in the nursing care also. If the is use of any equipment its demo should be over the parents first to avoid fear of the child. It is advisable that you have to be very gentle during the whole course of the therapy. And there should be limited health care professionals involved in the care of the child to feel safe and fearless. Always reward the good behavior of the child it will make more confidence in child and his/her active involvement will be better that the past in the therapy.

Thus by applying such nursing care the children with ASD can be treated in very effective manner.

At the last as per the ethics nurses need to be able to support and educate families regarding the proper and best management of the child after the therapy at home.

2.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by the cognitive and physical defects as the heart defect, hearing disability, upward slanting eyes, and small head as well as flattened facial features.

There is need of ultra sound scan, then characterize the exact problem associated with the down syndrome. The best prescribed tests are chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. The sample of the amniotic fluid is taken for such testing. After the birt if there are chances of the down syndrome.

First the blood tests are carried out so that the chromosomes in the blood can be analysed. If in the blood test there is an extra 21 chromosome, then there is Down’s syndrome. There is very high emotional impact associated with such child. Then there should be various interventions in such cases of the child involving some specialist giving the speech therapy, various audio visible techniques are used in such cases.

As per the monitoring is concerned there is need of regular checkups so that their health can be monitored. Such Children should be monitored for cataracts and hearing disorders. The monitoring of the thyroid functioning is highly recommended. Other hormones functioning monitoring is also required as the Growth hormones as directly related to growth.

Hence by applying such nursing interventions the proper care of such children is assured.