Overview
This lecture covers core pediatric theory concepts, focusing on pediatric nursing priorities, terminology, and essential tools used in pediatric health care.
Pediatric Nursing Priorities
- Pediatric care focuses on growth, development, and family-centered care.
- Assessment includes monitoring vital signs, growth charts, and developmental milestones.
- Safety and injury prevention are essential in pediatric settings.
- Communication should be age-appropriate and involve both patient and caregiver.
Key Pediatric Tools & Resources
- Use growth charts to track a child’s physical development over time.
- Pediatric assessment tools include scales for pain, development, and vital signs monitoring.
- Electronic health records (EHR) are used for documentation and accessing patient information.
- Visual aids and icons help healthcare providers quickly navigate pediatric resources.
Pediatric Healthcare Environment
- Pediatric units use specialized icons and shortcuts for quick access to resources and documentation.
- Providers use secure authentication methods to maintain confidentiality in pediatric care.
- Comments and conversation features allow for team communication about patient care.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Growth Chart — a tool for tracking a child’s physical development compared to population standards.
- Developmental Milestones — key skills or behaviors typically achieved by children at certain ages.
- Family-Centered Care — healthcare approach that involves the family in the planning and delivery of care.
- EHR (Electronic Health Record) — digital version of a patient ’s paper chart, accessible to authorized providers.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review pediatric growth chart usage and practice interpreting data.
- Familiarize yourself with electronic documentation tools and common pediatric assessment icons.
- Prepare for discussion on pediatric safety strategies in the next class.