Pediatric Nursing: Growth, Development, and Disorders

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering growth, development, assessment tools (APGAR), and various pediatric congenital and acquired disorders based on the Toprank Review Academy nursing module.

How is 'Growth' defined in pediatric nursing?

A physical change and quantitative increase in size of the whole body or any of its parts, with weight being the best index of growth.

When does a growth spurt typically occur in the pediatric population?

During the adolescent period.

How is 'Development' differentiated from 'Growth'?

Development refers to qualitative changes that mark an increase in function, complexity, and progression of skill, continuing even after growth stops at age $20$.

What is the concept of 'Asynchronous Growth'?

The principle that the whole body does not grow at once; different regions and systems develop at different rates and times.

What are the two periods during which the pace of growth is most rapid?

The infancy period and adolescence.

Which body tissue experiences its peak growth during the first year of life?

Neurologic tissue.

What is the 'Cephalocaudal' principle of development?

Development proceeds from the head to the tail (e.g., a newborn lifts their head before their chest).

What is the 'Proximal to Distal' principle of development?

Development starts from the midline of the body and progresses towards the extremities.

Define the age period for a 'Neonate'.

The first $28$ days of life.

What are the age ranges for 'Toddler' and 'Preschooler'?

Toddler: $1-3$ years; Preschooler: $4-6$ years.

According to Freud, what is the psychosexual stage for an infant?

The Oral stage, where the world is explored using the mouth.

What is Erikson's developmental task for the School-age child?

Sense of Industry versus Inferiority (to do things well).

What is the expected vocabulary size for a $5$-year-old child?

$2100$ words.

What type of play is characteristic of infants?

Solitary play.

In Piaget’s theory, what occurs during the 'Secondary circular reaction' stage ($4-8$ months)?

Focus shifts from the body to the environment.

What is the characteristic fear and play style of a Toddler?

Fear: Separation Anxiety; Play: Parallel play.

What are the physical signs of readiness for toilet training in a child?

Staying dry for $2$ hours, waking up dry from a nap, and the ability to sit, squat, walk, and remove clothing.

Define the 'Oedipus complex' and 'Electra complex' in preschoolers.

Oedipus complex is a boy's strong emotional attachment to his mother; Electra complex is a girl's attachment to her father.

What is 'Centering' as observed in preschoolers?

The tendency to look at an object and see only one of its characteristics (e.g., seeing a banana is yellow but not noticing it is long).

According to Piaget, what capability characterizes 'Concrete operational' thought ($7-12$ years)?

Systematic reasoning, classification, and awareness of reversibility.

What are the five criteria of the APGAR screening test?

Appearance (color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration.

Interpret an APGAR score of $4-7$.

Fair; needs further observation, stimulation, and suctioning.

What is considered a normal birth weight range for a newborn?

$2.5-4.0\,\text{kg}$.

How much birth weight does a newborn typically lose in the first few days?

$5\%$ to $10\%$ ($6$ to $10\,\text{oz}$).

Describe the 'Moro' reflex.

In response to a loud noise or sudden movement, the newborn symmetrically abducts and extends the arms.

What is the significance of a positive Babinski sign in a newborn?

Toes hyperextend while the big toe dorsiflexes; it is normal until $1$ year of age, but its absence indicates a need for neurological examination.

At what age do the anterior and posterior fontanels typically close?

Anterior: $12-18$ months; Posterior: $2-3$ months.

What is 'Caput succedaneum'?

Swelling of the scalp caused by prolonged labor that crosses over the suture line.

What may low-set ears in a newborn indicate?

Chromosomal disease such as Trisomy $21$ (Down Syndrome) or kidney anomalies.

What does nasal flaring indicate in a newborn?

Respiratory distress.

What vessels are found in a normal umbilical cord?

$2$ arteries and $1$ vein.

What is 'Cryptorchidism'?

A condition where one or both testicles are not present in the scrotum (undescended testes).

How is 'Myelomeningocele' characterized?

The most severe form of Spina Bifida, featuring a herniated sac containing meninges, spinal fluid, and a portion of the spinal cord/nerves.

What daily intake of folic acid is advised for pregnant women to prevent spinal cord disorders?

$600\,\text{micrograms}$.

What are Macewen's sign and Bossing sign in Hydrocephalus?

Macewen's: A cracked-pot sound upon percussion of separated skull bones; Bossing: A bulging brow.

What findings in CSF indicate Bacterial Meningitis?

Clouding of CSF, increased protein, and decreased glucose.

What are Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs?

Kernig's: Inability to extend the leg when the thigh is flexed; Brudzinski's: Neck flexion causes adduction/flexion of lower extremities.

Describe 'Spastic' Cerebral Palsy.

The most common type, resulting from cortex affection, characterized by a scissor-like gait.

What are 'Brushfield's spots' in Down Syndrome?

White specks in the iris of the eye.

What is the 'machinery-like murmur' diagnostic of?

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).

What is the pathognomonic sign of Coarctation of the Aorta (COA)?

Bounding radial pulse and absent femoral pulse.

Name the four defining features of Tetralogy of Fallot.

Pulmonary stenosis, Right Ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, Overriding aorta, and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD).

What is the proper positioning for a cyanotic child during a 'Tet spell'?

Lateral position, knee-chest, or squatting.

What emergency precaution must be taken with Epiglottitis?

Never attempt to visualize the epiglottis with a tongue blade or obtain a throat culture as it can cause complete glottis obstruction.

What grains must be eliminated in a Gluten-free diet for Celiac Disease?

Barley, Rye, Oats, and Wheat (B-R-O-W).

What is the 'double bubble' sign on an X-ray indicative of?

Duodenal atresia.

What type of stool is classically associated with Hirschsprung’s Disease?

Ribbon-like stools.

How do Omphalocele and Gastroschisis differ regarding their membranes?

Omphalocele has an intact peritoneal sac covering the organs, while Gastroschisis has no membrane covering the exposed bowel.

What is the difference between Epispadias and Hypospadias?

Epispadias: urethral opening is on the dorsal surface; Hypospadias: urethral opening is on the ventral or undersurface.

Define the four types of Talipes (Clubfoot).

1. Plantarflexion (equinus); 2. Dorsiflexion (heel lower than forefoot); 3. Varus deviation (foot turns in); 4. Valgus deviation (foot turns out).