Question

Compare the physical assessment of a child to that of an adult. In addition to describing the similar/different aspects of the physical assessment, explain how the nurse would offer instruction during the assessment, how communication would be adapted to offer explanations, and what strategies the nurse would use to encourage engagement.

Answer 1

There are significant physical and development differences between infants and children, adolescents, adults and the aging adults . When compared to adulthood the time of infancy, childhood ,adolescence, and elderly are times of great growth and development stages.

The physical assessment technique are inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. In child patient it generally starts from the abdominal assessment , in that case ,palpation and percussion can alter the bowel sounds , So you'd inspect, auscultation ,percussion then palpate  the abdomen.

In primary assessment of child patient is general impression ,assess responsiveness and perform a rapid scan that assist  of checking and correcting problems with the basic need of airway, breathing and circulation.

Comparing to adult assesment the child assessment is planning a well approach to pediatric safety and quality is affected by the nature of childhood development . Here when children are hospitalised they are dependent with parents and caregivers , sometimes children can express the their needs .Providing care to the children is approved by the parents first. When any procedure done for a children only with the permission of the parents or responsible persons, the nurse should conform the consent of the parents .

Know the framework used in the facility and children and adult care area.there is no standard norms prescribed for child safety considerations.

Strategies of Nurse engagement by keep the information simple , be as specific as possible then get the parents to involve in setting of the child care goals and also ensure the engagement.