Definition: ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate degrees of:
Inattention: difficulty sustaining attention, careless mistakes, forgetfulness in daily activities.
Impulsiveness: hasty actions that occur in the moment without forethought, possibly leading to harm.
Hyperactivity: excessive movement that is not appropriate to the setting.
Inattentive Type:
Careless mistakes
Forgetfulness in daily tasks
Difficulty focusing on tasks
Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
Disorganization in work and activities
Frequently misplacing belongings.
Hyperactive/Impulsive Type:
Fidgeting or tapping hands or feet
Inability to stay seated in appropriate situations
Running or climbing in inappropriate contexts
Talking excessively
Interrupting others or intruding on their conversations.
Assessment: ADHD is diagnosed through a multi-diagnostic evaluation rather than a single method.
Clear Rules and Expectations: Establish and communicate rules consistently.
Routine Maintenance: Having a structured routine can provide a sense of security for the child.
Constant Direction: Repeating instructions may be necessary.
Minimizing Stimuli: A calm environment with reduced noise and dim lighting can help.
Behavioral Therapy:
Prevents undesired outcomes through structured support.
Strategies for implementation:
Effective Reward Systems: Using sticker charts for positive reinforcement.
Parenting Skills: Training on effective communication and discipline.
Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging good behavior with rewards.
Age-Appropriate Consequences: Applying consequences that fit the developmental level of the child.
Meds: Dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are commonly prescribed to enhance focus and functionality.
Early Signs:
Tense bulging fontanelle
High-pitched cry
Irritability and restlessness
Drowsiness or sleeping excessively
Poor feeding
Setting-sun sign (eyes appear downward)
Typical Symptoms (similar to adults):
Headaches
Nausea and forceful vomiting
Changes in vision
Seizures
Increased sleepiness or indifference
Decreased physical activity and motor performance.
Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale: Assesses the level of consciousness and guides clinical judgment in monitoring for improvement or deterioration.
Usage: Assesses the level of consciousness post-head injury for children, especially under 5 years.
Components:
Eye opening: Max score 4
Motor response: Max score 6
Verbal response: Max score 5
Scoring:
Highest total score is 15; scores < 8 indicate severe impairment.
Common Approaches: Neuroprotective measures to keep ICP low.
Nursing Interventions:
Frequent neurological checks and vital signs.
Assessing for signs of CSF drainage or bleeding.
Maintaining the head in a midline elevated position to optimize blood flow.
Minimizing strenuous activities and environmental stimuli.
Administering medications to manage pain, sedation, and reduce ICP.
Prognosis Related to Duration Underwater:
< 5 minutes: potential for good recovery.
6 minutes: poorer prognostic outcomes.
10 minutes: likely nonviable.
Complications: May include hypoxia and pneumonia due to aspiration.
Diagnosis: Confirmed via lumbar puncture.
Precautions: Restricted to droplet precautions to prevent spread during patient interaction.
Medications: Involves antibiotics and corticosteroids to manage inflammation.
Symptoms: Look for signs such as fever, nausea, vomiting, irritability, and sensitivity to light.
Generalized vs. Focal Seizures:
Generalized: affects the whole brain and body; involves various manifestations like shaking and loss of consciousness.
Focal seizures: localized effects and specific body part involvement.
Triggering Factors: Often result from fever in infants and young children, particularly viral infections.
Management: Antipyretics can reduce fever but do not prevent seizure recurrence.
Forms: Including West Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.
Management: Often involves multiple drug therapies and behavioral interventions; education for families is crucial for recognizing signs and when to seek help.
Symptoms in infants include bulging fontanelles and rapid increase in head circumference.
Diagnosis is made using CT or MRI.
Surgical Interventions: Involves placement of VP shunts to regulate CSF flow.
Key Terms:
Immunization: process to ensure immunity; vaccines help prevent diseases.
Natural vs. Acquired Immunity: Distinguishing between natural, through infection, and acquired, from vaccines.
Specific Vaccines: Hep B, MMR, DTaP, Varicella, etc., indicated at various developmental stages.
Bacterial vs. Viral: Understanding clinical signs such as purulent discharge for bacterial versus watery for viral.
Bacterial: More aggressive treatment with topical antibiotics.
Viral: Typically self-limiting with supportive care.
Common signs include cough, nasal congestion, and fever; need for timely evaluation of acute distress symptoms.
Focus on proper management of bacterial versus viral infections including supportive care and antibiotic use where indicated.
Use for conditions like asthma and bronchiolitis, alongside hydration and monitoring of respiratory status.
Medications: SABA for acute control, inhaled corticosteroids for long-term management.
Nursing Role: Education on medication use, avoidance of triggers, and understanding peak flow measurements.
Clinical Signs: Thick mucus secretions, frequent lung infections, and nutritional deficiencies.
Treatment: Involves ongoing pulmonary therapy, enzyme replacement, and nutritional support to enhance quality of life.