Unit 1318: Pediatric Nursing Fundamentals

1. Growth and Development in Children

1.1 Stages of Physical Growth

• Neonatal, infancy, toddler, preschool, school-age, adolescent stages
• Physical milestones and growth charts

1.2 Cognitive Development

• Piaget's stages of cognitive development
• Language acquisition and learning abilities

1.3 Psychosocial Development

• Erikson’s stages relevant to childhood
• Emotional and social milestones

1.4 Theories of Development

• Overview of key developmental theories
• Application to pediatric nursing care

1.5 Factors Influencing Growth

• Genetic, environmental, nutritional, and socioeconomic factors
• Impact of chronic illness and disabilities

2. Common Pediatric Illnesses and Injuries

2.1 Respiratory Infections

• Types: common cold, bronchiolitis, pneumonia
• Assessment and treatment approaches

2.2 Gastroenteritis

• Causes and symptoms
• Fluid management and prevention

2.3 Asthma

• Pathophysiology and triggers
• Management and emergency care

2.4 Fractures and Burns

• Types of fractures common in children
• Burn classifications and care principles

2.5 Prevention Strategies

• Immunizations
• Safety education and injury prevention

3. Pediatric Assessment and Vital Sign Monitoring

3.1 Comprehensive Pediatric Assessment

• Health history and physical examination techniques
• Growth measurements

3.2 Vital Sign Monitoring

• Age-specific normal ranges for temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure
• Techniques for accurate measurement

3.3 Developmental Screenings

• Tools and timing for developmental assessments

3.4 Pain Assessment in Children

• Age-appropriate pain scales (FLACC, Wong-Baker FACES)
• Behavioral and physiological indicators of pain

3.5 Special Techniques in Pediatric Assessment

• Communication strategies
• Minimizing fear and anxiety

4. Family-Centered Care in Pediatrics

4.1 Importance of Family Involvement

• Benefits for patient outcomes
• Roles of parents and caregivers

4.2 Communication Strategies

• Active listening and empathy
• Explaining procedures and providing education

4.3 Understanding Family Dynamics

• Cultural considerations
• Supporting diverse family structures

4.4 Emotional Support to Families

• Counseling and resources
• Managing stress and coping mechanisms

5. Medication Administration for Pediatric Patients

5.1 Principles of Safe Medication Administration

• Rights of medication administration
• Pediatric-specific considerations

5.2 Dosage Calculations

• Weight-based dosing
• Calculations and double-checking procedures

5.3 Pediatric Drug Classifications and Common Medications

• Overview of commonly used pediatric drugs
• Side effects and contraindications

5.4 Techniques for Administering Medications

• Oral, inhalation, injections, topical
• Strategies to improve compliance

6. Pediatric Nursing Interventions and Procedures

6.1 Wound Care

• Assessment and dressing techniques

6.2 Intravenous (IV) Therapy

• IV insertion and maintenance
• Complication prevention

6.3 Tracheostomy Care

• Cleaning and suctioning procedures
• Emergency interventions

6.4 Nasogastric (NG) Tube Insertion

• Indications and insertion technique
• Monitoring and care

6.5 Urinary Catheterization

• Procedure steps
• Infection prevention

6.6 Pediatric Emergency Procedures

• Basic life support adaptations
• Handling acute emergencies

7. Pediatric Ethics and Legal Issues

7.1 Ethical Dilemmas in Pediatric Nursing

• Consent and assent
• Balancing child autonomy and parental rights

7.2 Legal Considerations

• Confidentiality and privacy
• Mandatory reporting

7.3 Cultural Sensitivity

• Respecting cultural beliefs and practices
• Impact on care decisions

7.4 End-of-Life Care and Advocacy

• Pain management and comfort care
• Supporting families in difficult decisions

8. Pediatric Emergency and Critical Care

8.1 Managing Respiratory Distress

• Recognition and initial interventions

8.2 Shock Management

• Types of shock in children
• Signs, monitoring, and treatment

8.3 Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

• CPR adaptations for children
• Post-resuscitation care

8.4 Trauma Care

• Assessment using pediatric trauma scores
• Stabilization and transport

8.5 Neurological Emergencies

• Seizure management
• Head injury care

8.6 Rapid Assessment and Intervention

• ABCDE approach tailored for pediatrics
• Team coordination and communication