Care of the Hospitalized Child - NUR 320

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the care of hospitalized children, focusing on various factors influencing child hospitalization, nursing interventions, family-centered care, and specific conditions affecting pediatric patients.

What factors affect a child's perception of hospitalization?

Age, developmental stage, cognitive development, previous experiences, coping skills, preparation.

What are some effects of hospitalization on a child?

Reactions to stressors, individual risk factors, coping mechanisms, stressors on family, parental and sibling reactions.

What are the main fears of pediatric patients during hospitalization?

Bodily injury/pain, separation from parents, fear of the unknown, loss of control/autonomy.

What is the protest phase of separation anxiety?

Crying, screaming, and being inconsolable.

What nursing interventions can help minimize separation anxiety?

Encourage parental presence and minimize separation as much as possible.

What is atraumatic care?

Therapeutic care that minimizes or eliminates psychological and physical distress for children and families during healthcare encounters.

What are some examples of diversions and distractions for hospitalized children?

Counting, singing, blowing bubbles, playing music, and therapeutic play.

What is family-centered care?

Care that respects the child and family unit, recognizing the impact of hospitalization on family dynamics.

What are the benefits of family-centered care?

Increased parent participation, improved patient experience, decreased healthcare costs, and empowerment.

What are some key components in the admission process for a child?

Collaboration with family for history, obtaining weight, initial assessment, and understanding the chief complaint.

What is cognitive impairment in children?

An intellectual disability limiting capacity, measured by IQ below 70-75, affecting around 6 million children in the US.

What are common signs of cognitive impairment?

Delayed developmental milestones, speech and language affected, associated disabilities, and behavioral manifestations.

How should a nurse approach a child with a hearing impairment?

Encourage use of hearing aids, ensure the child has the nurse's attention, eliminate background noise, and use visual aids.

What are essential strategies for assessing a child with disabilities?

Assess intellectual skills, communication in developmentally appropriate language, and alternate questions with demonstrations.

What is the goal of nursing care for children with special needs?

Enhance the child’s quality of life and functional abilities.

What is informed consent?

Approval from a parent or guardian for medical procedures, understanding the risks and benefits involved.

What should the nurse do when working with parents of a child with an intellectual disability?

Use simple, concrete explanations and incorporate play into the teaching process.

What are the nursing considerations for a child with cleft lip and palate?

Feeding safety, aspiration prevention, surgical preparation, post-op care, and dental care.

What is the purpose of positioning during procedures for children?

To minimize movement and discomfort, providing analgesia or sedation as needed.