Pediatric Nursing
Core concepts
Paediatric nursing tests developmental appropriateness, weight-based dosing, and early recognition of deterioration in children. Know paediatric vital-sign ranges by age, dehydration assessment, respiratory distress signs, and immunisation schedules. Understand that children compensate well and then decompensate suddenly, so subtle signs matter.
Traps to expect
- Respiratory distress: grunting, nasal flaring, retractions, and head bobbing are late and serious; do not wait for cyanosis.
- Dehydration: prolonged capillary refill, sunken fontanelle, decreased urine output, and lethargy are more reliable than thirst.
- Dosing: always weight-based in kilograms; verify the safe range before administration.
- Age-appropriate communication: use play and simple language for young children; give choices where safe.
- Epiglottitis versus croup: do not inspect the throat with a tongue blade when epiglottitis is suspected.
Worked example
A 2-year-old with a barking cough and stridor at rest is triaged. Stridor at rest marks severe croup; keep the child calm and upright, avoid agitating or examining the throat, and escalate for nebulised treatment and monitoring. Calm handling is itself a clinical intervention in paediatric airway problems.
Study approach
For each condition, state the age group, the earliest warning sign, and the one action you must avoid.