Introduction To Paediatrics Nursing

UNIT 1

CHILD HEALTH NURSING

INTRODUCTION TO PEDIATRIC   NURSING

COMMON TERMS:

PAEDIATRICS

Branch of general medicine concerned with the study of growth and development of child, as well as prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pediatric problems.

PAEDIATRICIAN

A medically qualified person having specialized education in the field of pediatrics.

PEDIATRIC NURSE

Is a person having specialized education and clinical experience in the handling of sick children.

GESTATION

The period of development from ovum to birth.

EMBRYO

From implantation to end of 8th week of gestation

FETUS

From the start of 9th week to birth.

NEONATE

Age from birth to 28 days period.

INFANT

Age group from 1 month- 1 year.

TODDLER

Age group from 1year to 3 year.

PRE-SCHOOL

Age group from 3 year to 5 years

SCHOOL AGE

 Age group from 5 years to 12 years.

ADOLESCENTS

 Age group from puberty to maturity (12-18 years)

ROLE OF FAMILY IN THE CARE OF SICK CHILD:  

          

             The family plays a vital role in the care of sick children. The family must seek a medical advice from physician if their child develops following conditions.  

                

             Reluctant to feed, of feeds poorly. Has c/o vomiting, pain, diarrhea, skin bruises or has signs of bleeding. 

        

             It unable to sleep, has night itching at anal area, or at thighs etc

Does gain weight, has poor appetite

Has dyspnoea, cyanosis, or any respiratory infection.

            

                 If the child is sick and needs medical intervention, the child should be treated at home if possible, because by this the child will have an opportunity to avail familial environment, which is relaxing and tension free.

             

               The medicine should kept under the lock in house so that children may not use it.

            First aids box must be present in the house.Special attention and time should be given to sick child and his basic needs such as proper diet, clothing,/safety, love and affection must be provided.

ROLE OF PEDIATRIC NURSE IN THE CARE OF SICK CHILD

1. THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP:

        The  of a therapeutic relationship is essential foundation for providing quality care .

        

            It promotes positive and professional attitude which helps in care of sick children, as well as building rapport with parents.

            

         Therapeutic care refers to prevention, diagnosis, treatment or palliation of acute or chronic conditions.

2. FAMILY ADVOCACY/CARING:

    The nurse is responsible to self , the profession and the institution of employment .

             Primary responsibility is to the consumer of nursing services; patient and the family.The nurse must work in collaboration with family and plan nursing actions.

              Advocacy involves informing families about available health care facilities, treatments and procedures involved in childs care.

        The nurse must demonstrate caring and empathetic attitude towards family, so that parents must feel comfortable during stay in hospital.

3. HEALTH PROMOTION/ DISEASE PREVENTION:

            It refers to Prevention of illness and maintenance of health rather than treatment of disease; this can be achieved by educating parents about immunization, safety, dental care, balanced diet, maintaining personal hygiene of children. 

             Educating mothers to avail antenatal, natal and postnatal care.

4. SUPPORT / COUNSELLING:

             Counseling involves mutual exchange of ideas and opinion that provide the basis for mutual problem solving. 

             It involves support, as well as teaching techniques to enhance expression of feelings and approaches to help family to cope with stress.

5. RESTORATIVE ROLE:

            The most basic role of nurse is the restoration of health through care giving activities, as nurse is involved to meet needs of patient such as bathing, toileting, dressing, security, socialization and carrying out physician orders.

6. COLLABORATION / COORDINATION:

            The nurse collaborates and coordinates nursing services with the activities of other professionals. Nurse provides holistic care to sick child through unified interdisciplinary approach.