Pediatric Nursing - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions from the pediatric nursing lecture notes.

Physical maturation

Physical changes in the body and organs as a child grows.

Cognitive maturation

Development of thinking, reasoning, memory, and problem-solving abilities with age.

Family-centered care

An approach that involves families in planning, decision-making, and delivery of care for the child.

Developmental-stage-appropriate communication

Using language and explanations suitable to a child’s age and understanding.

Pediatric teaching

Education that is directed to both the child and the parent.

Cultural norms for child-rearing

Cultural beliefs and practices that influence how children are raised and cared for.

Family diversity

Differences in family structures and coping methods; family is defined beyond blood relations.

Family structures

Configurations such as Nuclear, Extended, Blended, Single-Parent, and Gay/Lesbian families.

Definition of family

The concept of family includes more than just blood relations; it encompasses supportive networks.

Child abuse

Harm or potential harm to a child through physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, or medical abuse/condition falsification.

Nonspecific indicators

General signs that may suggest abuse but are not unique to a single cause.

Physical abuse

Infliction of physical harm or injury to a child.

Sexual abuse

Any sexual activity or exposure imposed on a child.

Neglect

Failure to provide for a child’s basic needs (food, shelter, medical care, supervision).

Medical abuse / pediatric condition falsification

Deliberate fabrication or manipulation of medical conditions to deceive or gain benefit.

Advocacy

Acting on behalf of the child’s and family’s needs within the care plan.

Extreme of relationship continuum

Relationships that are too distant or too intrusive; should be avoided in pediatric care.

Empowerment of the family

Strengthening the family’s ability to participate in care and decision-making.

Anxiety of the hospitalized child

Fear and worry related to illness, procedures, separation, and unfamiliar environments.

Intrusion (physical intrusion during hospitalization)

Unwanted bodily invasion or discomfort from procedures or equipment.

Separation from caregiver

Disruption of ongoing contact with a parent or guardian during hospitalization.

Influx of strangers

Presence of unfamiliar people and its impact on the child’s comfort.

Scary equipment / uniforms

Hospital gear and attire that can intimidate or frighten a child.

Planned vs. unplanned hospitalization

Elective, scheduled admission versus emergency or unscheduled admission.

Atraumatic care

Care designed to minimize physical and psychological distress for the child.

Limit separation of child from caregivers

Keep the child with familiar caregivers whenever possible to reduce stress.

Preparation for procedures

Age-appropriate explanations and involvement to reduce fear. Show the child what the procedure would look like on a doll or toy

Age-appropriate explanations

Explaining procedures in terms suitable for the child’s development level.

Allow to play with equipment beforehand

Letting children explore equipment to reduce fear and increase familiarity.

Involve caregivers as much as possible

Engage parents/guardians in care activities and decisions.

Play as Teaching

Using play to demonstrate procedures, provide equipment, and educate the child.

Play as Coping

Therapeutic play in the hospital to help the child cope with stress.