Administration of medication
Administration of medication Determination of drug dosage Few standardized doses ranges Body surface area Checking dosage Identification Two identifiers Preparing the parents Preparing the child Oral administration Preparation administration Intramuscular administration Apply EMLA (a eutectic mix of lidocaine and prilocaine) or LMX cream (lidocaine) topically over site if time permits. Prepare medication Selecting the syringe […]
Collection of Specimens : Blood Specimens
Blood specimens Guidelines for skin and vessel punctures To reduce the pain associated with heel, finger, venous, or arterial punctures: Apply EMLA topically over the site if time permits (>60 minutes). LMX cream also may be used and requires a shorter application time (30 minutes). To remove the transparent dressing atraumatically, grasp opposite sides of […]
Collection of specimens : Urine & Stools
Urine Urine collection bags For infants and toddlers who are not toilet trained, special urine collection bags with self-adhering material around the opening at the point of attachment may be used. To prepare the infant, the genitalia, perineum, and surrounding skin are washed and dried thoroughly because the adhesive will not stick to a moist, […]
Collection of specimens : Emergency Room Procedures
Collection of specimens Fundamental steps common to all procedures Assemble the necessary equipment. Identify the child using two patient identifiers (e.g., patient name and medical record or birth date; neither can be a room number). Compare the same two identifiers with the specimen container and order. Perform hand hygiene, maintain aseptic technique, and follow Standard […]
Restraining methods : Nursing
Restraining methods Alternative methods: Consider first Diversional activities Parental participation Therapeutic holding Use least restrictive Behavioral restraints Used when significant risk present Determine cause of behavior first Mummy restraint or swaddle Jacket restraint Arm and leg restraints Elbow restraint
Infection control
Infection control Role of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Standard Precautions Involve the use of barrier protection, such as gloves, goggles, gown, or mask, to prevent contamination from Blood All body fluids Secretions and excretions except sweat, regardless of whether they contain visible blood Nonintact skin Mucous membrane Transmission-based precautions Airborne, droplet, and contact […]
Safety : Risk factors for hospitalized children
Safety Environmental factors Electrical equipment Furniture Strangulation Toys Preventing falls Risk factors for hospitalized children Medication effects: Postanesthesia or sedation; analgesics or narcotics, especially in those who have never had narcotics in the past and in whom effects are unknown Altered mental status: Secondary to seizures, brain tumors, or medications Altered or limited mobility: Reduced […]
The child with fever
The child with fever Call Office Immediately If: Your child is younger than 2 months of age. The fever is over 40.6° C (105° F). Your child looks or acts very sick, including a stiff neck, persistent vomiting, purplish spots on the skin, confusion, trouble breathing after you have cleansed his or her nose, or […]
Managing pain : Respiratory tract infection
Managing pain Respiratory tract infection Patient education Discharge instructions Postoperative Care Ensure that preparations are made to receive child: Bed or crib is ready. Intravenous (IV) pumps and poles, suction apparatus, and oxygen flow meter are at bedside. Obtain baseline information: Take vital signs, including blood pressure; keep blood pressure cuff in place and deflated […]
Surgical Procedures
Surgical Procedures Preoperative care Parental presence Preoperative sedation Postoperative care Continuous monitoring Vital signs assessment Potential causes of Postoperative vital sign alterations in children Alteration Potential Cause Comments Heart rate Increase Decreased perfusion (shock) Heart rate may increase to maintain cardiac output. Elevated temperature Pain Respiratory distress (early) Medications (atropine, morphine, epinephrine) Decrease Hypoxia Bradycardia […]