Pediatric Nursing Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing core pediatric nursing concepts, development theories, mortality factors, and health indicators.

Infant Mortality Rate

The number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births occurring during the first 12 months of life, with congenital anomalies being the leading cause.

Childhood Mortality Rate

The number of deaths per 100,000 children aged 1 to 14 years, leading causes being unintentional injuries followed by congenital malformations (ages 1-4) or cancer (ages 5-14).

Atraumatic Care

The provision of therapeutic care using interventions that eliminate or minimize psychological and physical distress in children and families in healthcare settings.

Family-Centered Care

A collaborative approach between families, nurses, and healthcare providers that recognizes the family as the constant and expert in a child's care and needs.

Cephalo-caudal and Proximal-distal Principles

Principles of physical developmental science where head-to-toe progression (cephalo-caudal) governs gross motor skills, and center-outward progression (proximal-distal) governs fine motor skills.

Assimilation

A cognitive adaptation process in Piaget's theory where new experiences are incorporated into pre-existing mental schemas.

Accommodation

A cognitive adaptation process in Piaget's theory where existing mental schemas are altered or modified to incorporate new environmental information.

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget's first cognitive developmental stage from birth to 2 years, characteristic of infancy and beginner toddlerhood.

Preoperational Stage

Piaget's second cognitive developmental stage spanning from 2 to 7 years, characteristic of early childhood.

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget's third cognitive developmental stage spanning from 7 to 11 years, characteristic of middle childhood.

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget's fourth cognitive developmental stage spanning from 11 to 15 years, characteristic of later childhood.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Erikson's first psychosocial stage occurring from birth to 1 year (infancy), focused on developing a fundamental trust in caregivers.

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

Erikson's second psychosocial stage occurring from 1 to 3 years (toddlerhood), focused on developing personal independence and control.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Erikson's third psychosocial stage occurring from 3 to 6 years (preschooler), focused on asserting control and power over the environment through play and social interaction.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erikson's fourth psychosocial stage occurring from 6 to 12 years (middle childhood), focused on developing pride in accomplishments and abilities.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson's fifth psychosocial stage occurring from 12 to 18 years (later childhood), focused on developing a personal identity and sense of self.

Preconventional Level

Kohlberg's level of moral development typical of children aged 3 to 7 years, where reasoning is based on freedom, restrictions, rewards, and punishments.

Conventional Level

Kohlberg's level of moral development typical of children aged 8 to 13 years, where moral choices are guided by external ethics and societal rules.

Therapeutic Play

Structured play utilizing dolls or stuffed animals that helps children express feelings, work through stress, learn coping strategies, and cooperate with medical procedures.

Healthy People 2030 Leading Health Indicators (LHIs)

A curated set of high-priority health measures across life stages selected to address critical public health concerns and track health progress in the United States.