Question

3 things that are different when taking care of a pediatric patient versus an adult

Answer 1

Peadiatric care : Pediatrics is concerned with the health of infants, Children and adolescents, their growth and development and their opportunity to achieve full potential as adults.

- as Pediatric physician or paediatric nurse must be concerned with social or environmental influences which have a major impact on the health and well being of children and their families as well as with particular organ systems and biological processes.

- The young are often among the most vulnerable or disadvantaged in society and thus their needs require special attention.

Pediatric Nursing care : There is certain professional related problems occur with paediatric patients because of there is no subjective data or having limited data with family memebers,

- more care is provided by Objective data that taking of vitals, measuring of weight, head circumference, observe the type of cry and has to anticipate dysfunction of organs,

- lack of medical history , that is paediatric staff very strong about their subject knowledge like upto date Immunisation schedule, Pediatric drug calculations, psychological support, concern about their health from admission to discharge,

- assessment of patient conditions like Fever, diarrhoea, cyanosis, distress and dehydration, fluctuations of heart and respiratory rate and perform sterile procedures while dealing with IV line, catheter and nasogastric tube placement.

- while providing services to Pediatric patient , as a nurse we have to interact with child and explain the need of treatment to adolescents, always remember act according their psychological status,

Core points of Pediatric care : 1. To provide Pediatric care, nurse must be trained all procedures and know about pathophysiolgy of Pediatric diseases,

2. There is a limited Medical history and also must be care about unforeseen complications this needs more observation skills,

3. While providing care interact with child to take time to time vitals, administer medications and clear cut communication with health care provider and family memebers.

Adult Nursing care : 1. Adult clients may have Clear documentation of their Hx about medical and surgical conditions, but in paediatric population this is very limited,

2.Adult patients are cooperative while doing minor procedures but the Pediatric clients are not cooperative hence nurse has to interact with child, play games, assess psychiatric evaluation.

3. Adults will inform about their signs and symptoms while seeking treatment but in case of Pediatric ward which is not possible that is why nurse should be good at observation skill and handling of equipments and monitors