NUR 4445 Pediatric Assessment
- To be successful in communicating with children we should (12)...
Answer •Allow children time to feel comfortable.
• Avoid sudden or rapid advances, broad smiles, extended eye contact-- gestures that may be seen as threatening.• Talk to the parent if the child is initially shy.• Communicate through transition objects (like dolls) before questioning child directly.• Give older children opportunity to talk without parents present.• Assume a position that is at eye level with the child .• Speak in a quiet, unhurried, confident voice.• Speak clearly, be specific, and use simple words and short sentences.• State directions and suggestions positively.• Offer a choice only when one exists.• Be honest with children.• Allow children to express their concerns and fears.
- What can a high heart rate mean in a pediatric patient (3)? What about low temperature (2)?
What can respiratory rate tell you about a child?
Answer • High heart rate
pain, fever, or a cardiac disorder
• Low temperature can be just as concerning; may be due to infection, cardiac disorder.• Respiratory rate can tell you if a child is in respiratory distress
- What is the best technique in taking vital signs in a pediatric patient?
Answer •Al- ways do the least invasive vital sign 1st
-i.e., start with respiratory rate and end with temp
- What should we be assessing/looking for when taking a child's respiratory rate (4)? 1 / 3
Answer •Look at the child's chest...
• Feel the child's chest...• Listen with your stethoscope...• Always listen for a full minute as children (especially infants) breathe irregularly
- In what ages should we take pulse at the apical site? At what age can we start taking pulse at
the radial site?
Answer •An apical pulse should be taken
-All children younger than 2 years -All children with a cardiac condition (especially if taking digoxin) • Radial pulse once 2 years of age & older
- Normal respiratory rate for a newborn
Answer 30-55 breaths/min
- Normal respiratory rate for a 1 year old
Answer 25-40 breaths/min
- Normal respiratory rate for a 3 year old
Answer 20-30 breaths/min
- Normal respiratory rate for a 6 year old
Answer 16-22 breaths/min
- Normal respiratory rate for a 10 year old 2 / 3
Answer 10-20 breaths/min
- Normal respiratory rate for a 17 year old
Answer 12-20 breaths/min
- Normal heart rate for a newborn
Answer
100-170
- Normal heart rate for infant to 2 years
Answer
80-130
- Normal heart rate for ages 2-6 years
Answer
70-120
- Normal heart rate for ages 6-10 years
Answer
70-110
- Normal heart rate for ages 10-16 years
Answer
60-100
- Oral temperatures are usually not accurate until what year of age?
Answer 5
- What steps do we take to measure rectal temperature (4)? How far in do we insert the
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