VNRS 180: Pediatric Nursing

• Identify common pathophysiological conditions of the child from infancy to adolescence.
• Utilize the nursing process in relating conditions or diseases of the child patient to therapeutic interventions.
• Administer medications to the child client.
• Define safe, ethical and legal principles in compliance with the Nurse Practice Act.
• Identify and implement strategies for effectively communicating with children of different ages and developmental levels along with their families.
• Demonstrate a broad base of knowledge and critical thinking in the application of the nursing process.
• Recognize and practice culturally sensitive care with the integration of developmental theories in health care setting while rendering nursing care to meet the needs of pediatric clients and their families with complex alteration in wellness.

1. Structural, Functional and Psychological Changes in the Child
   1. Genetic and environmental influences and limits
   2. Physical growth
   3. Motor development
   4. Intellectual development
   5. Emotional development
2. Preventative Pediatrics
   1. Self-feeding and basic nutrition
   2. Immunizations
   3. Child safety
3. Hospitalization of the Child
   1. Preparation for hospitalization
   2. Separation anxiety
   3. Growth and developmental needs
4. Rehabilitation of the Long-term Pediatric Client
   1. Psychological support of long-term clients and their families
   2. Common conditions
   3. Physical aspects of rehabilitation
   4. Behavioral aspects of rehabilitation
5. The Dying Child, the Family and Nurse
   1. The challenge
   2. Reactions of the child
   3. Parental reactions
   4. Sibling reactions
   5. Nurses' reactions
   6. Support groups
      1. S.I.D.S.
      2. Religious
6. Pediatric Procedures
   1. Hospital admission
      1. Pertinent information
      2. Vital signs based on age
      3. Collection of specimens
      4. Diet and fluid orders
   2. Discharge
      1. Discharge needs
      2. Possible behavioral changes
7. Basic Patient Needs and Daily Planning
   1. Safety
   2. Observation/assessment
   3. Diagnostic procedures
   4. Supportive procedures
   5. Medications
   6. Special treatments
   7. Recording
   8. Daily planning
8. Common Diagnostic Test
   1. Blood specimen test
   2. Urine specimen test
   3. Stool/sputum test
9. The Child Surgical Client
   1. Child-adult distinction
   2. Pre/post-operative care
10. Respiration/Oxygenation Needs
    1. Airway management
    2. Suction
    3. Humidification
    4. Medications
    5. Postural drainage/trach. care and percussion
    6. Oxygen administration
    7. CPR/mechanical ventilation/Respiratory treatments
    8. Nursing care
11. Traction, Casting and Braces
    1. Assessment of orthopedic client
    2. Nerve and circulation evaluation
    3. Traction equipment
    4. Cast care
    5. Care of braces
    6. Nursing responsibilities
12. Methods of Temperature Control and Therapeutic Uses of Heat and Cold
13. Common Pediatric Problems and Nursing Care
    1. Conditions involving the integumentary system
    2. Communicable diseases
    3. Conditions involving the neuromuscular and skeletal systems
    4. Conditions involving the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
    5. Conditions involving the digestive system and associated metabolism
    6. Conditions involving the genito-urinary system

Under supervision by clinical instructors, the student nurse will perform the following skills in a clinical setting (or simulated lab situation using computerized simulation manikins) on child clients experiencing alterations in wellness, utilizing the steps of the nursing process during all phases of care:

1. Assist with admission and the assessment of a child client by gathering data, recording the data on the chart and utilizing the nursing process to discuss actual and/or potential nursing problems related to the child client.
2. Organize assessment cues into relevant groups of identifying criteria and formulate individualized nursing diagnoses.
3. Identify behavioral cues in a child with an alteration in wellness and apply these cues to a communication plan to be used by the nursing team in caring for the client and family.
4. Administer medication demonstrating correct critical thinking and the use of development theories regarding pharmacologic interventions.
5. Plan for and consistently provide appropriate infection control and other safety measures as indicated by child client's health and developmental status.