NCP Pediatric Considerations

Encompasses problems related to childhood through adolescence.

CARE SETTING

Any setting in which nursing contact with children occurs/care is provided.

ASSESSMENT FACTORS (IN ADDITION TO ROUTINE ASSESSMENTS)

Age and gender

Developmental level

Patterns of communication with SOs

Perception of body and its functions: in health and illness

Behavior when anxious, afraid, withdrawn, angry

SIGNIFICANT OTHERS

Nuclear family, extended family

Family developmental cycle

Child’s role in family tasks and functions

Peer group, friends

SOCIOECONOMIC

Social class, value system

Social acceptability of current situation

CULTURAL

Ethnic background, heritage, and residence

DISEASE (ILLNESS)

Condition requiring treatment and response of patient/family to situation

Nature of condition—acute, chronic, recurrent

Emotional response to current treatments

Past experience with illness, hospitalization, and healthcare providers

If illness is terminal, what do patient and family expect?

Availability/use of resources

NURSING PRIORITIES

1. Enhance level of comfort/minimize pain.
2. Reduce anxiety/fear.
3. Provide growth-promoting environment for child and parent(s).
4. Prevent/minimize complications.

DISCHARGE GOALS

1. Reports/indicates pain relieved.
2. Child/family dealing appropriately with current situation.
3. Safe environment maintained.
4. Plan in place to meet needs after discharge.