Pediatric Vital Signs Lecture

Key Points

• Communication Approach
  • Talk to parents first, then the child.
  • Apply similar approach as a physical assessment.
• Order of Vital Signs Assessment
  • Start with the least invasive:
    • Respiratory rate
    • Heart rate
  • Progress to more invasive:
    • Blood pressure
    • Temperature
  • Reason: Prevent discomfort and skewing of other vital signs due to crying.

Important Practices

• ATI Question Insight
  • For a sleeping 6-week-old infant, auscultate lung and heart sounds first (least invasive).
• Infant Assessment Position
  • Infants should be in the caregiver's lap.

Vital Sign Numbers

• Focus Areas
  • Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure in neonates, infants, and toddlers.
  • Faster heart and respiratory rates compared to adults, low blood pressure due to smaller organs.
• Example NCLEX Question
  • 10-month-old with pulse 220/min and BP 85/45.
  • Interpretation:
    • Heart rate is high (tachycardia).
    • BP is normal for infants.
  • Report: Lethargy with tachycardia.

Assessment Techniques

• Respiratory and Heart Rate
  • Count for one full minute to screen for irregularities.
  • Example: 1-year-old, apical pulse for full minute.
• Respiratory Rate Reference
  • 12-month-old should be between 30-60 bpm.
  • Example: Rate of 36 is normal.

Blood Pressure

• Age-specific Norms
  • Toddlers (2-year-old): Normal BP 85-105 systolic, 40-65 diastolic.
  • Example: BP 92/60 is normal.

Temperature

• Typically higher than adults.
• Method by Age
  • Oral: 5-6 years old.
  • Axillary: Under armpit.

Conclusion

• Resources
  • Download study guide bundle from membership site.
• Review & Sharing
  • Take the quiz, share with classmates and instructors.
• Next Steps
  • Stay tuned for next videos.