PED-BC flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

APGAR scoring timing

APGAR is scored at 1 and 5 minutes after birth using Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration, each scored 0 to 2 for a total of 0 to 10.

Minimum systolic BP formula

For children 1 to 10 years old, the lower limit of normal systolic blood pressure is 70 plus twice the age in years. A reading below this value defines hypotension.

FLACC pain scale

FLACC rates Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability from 0 to 2 each for a total of 0 to 10. It is validated for children 2 months to 7 years.

Normal pediatric urine output

Children should produce 1 to 2 mL/kg/hour of urine. Output below 0.5 mL/kg/hour is oliguria and suggests dehydration, poor perfusion, or kidney injury.

Anterior fontanel closure

The anterior fontanel normally closes between 12 and 18 months of age. The posterior fontanel closes much earlier, at about 6 to 8 weeks after birth.

Head circumference measurement

Head circumference is measured with a tape around the occipital prominence and above the eyebrows, and is plotted until 36 months because early growth reflects brain development.

Capillary refill interpretation

Capillary refill is checked by blanching a fingertip or the sternum; color should return within 2 seconds. A delay indicates decreased peripheral perfusion.

Erikson toddler stage

Erikson's second stage is autonomy versus shame and doubt, roughly 18 months to 3 years. Toddlers assert independence through choices, toilet training, and frequent use of the word no.

Piaget preoperational stage

From about 2 to 7 years children are in the preoperational stage: they use symbols and language but think egocentrically and lack conservation, so explanations must be concrete and literal.

Infant weight tripling

Birth weight doubles by about 5 to 6 months and triples by 12 months, then roughly quadruples by 2 years. A 3.5 kg newborn weighs about 10.5 kg at one year.

Number of primary teeth

Primary teeth begin erupting near 6 months. The expected number of teeth equals the age in months minus 6, with all 20 primary teeth present by about 30 months.

Moro reflex disappearance

The Moro reflex is a startle response to sudden head drop, with arm extension then flexion. It is present at birth and normally disappears by 3 to 4 months.

Independent sitting milestone

Most infants sit without support by 6 to 8 months and pull to stand by 9 to 10 months. Independent walking typically occurs between 12 and 15 months.

Parallel play age

Parallel play, in which toddlers play beside but not cooperatively with peers, is typical from about 2 to 3 years and precedes associative and cooperative play.

MMR vaccine schedule

The first measles-mumps-rubella dose is given at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. Two documented doses are required for school entry.

Vitamin D for breastfed infants

Exclusively breastfed infants need 400 IU of vitamin D daily starting in the first days of life, because breast milk does not supply adequate amounts of this vitamin.

Back to sleep recommendation

Infants should be placed supine on a firm, flat surface for every sleep, without loose bedding or soft objects, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Booster seat height criterion

Children should use a belt-positioning booster seat until they reach about 4 feet 9 inches, or 145 centimeters, and age 8 to 12, when the vehicle belt fits properly.

Critical congenital heart screening

Newborn pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart disease is done at 24 hours of age or before discharge. A failed screen requires prompt echocardiography and evaluation.

Childhood obesity BMI cutoff

For children 2 years and older, a body mass index at or above the 85th percentile is overweight and at or above the 95th percentile is obesity for age and sex.

Cerebral edema in pediatric DKA

Cerebral edema is the leading cause of death in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis. Suspect it with headache, bradycardia, hypertension, or declining consciousness, and treat with mannitol or hypertonic saline.

Epiglottitis nursing priority

Suspected epiglottitis presents with drooling, tripod positioning, and a muffled voice. Never inspect the throat or agitate the child; keep them upright until the airway is secured.

Kawasaki disease treatment

Kawasaki disease causes fever for 5 or more days with conjunctivitis, rash, mucositis, and extremity changes. High-dose IVIG plus aspirin reduces the risk of coronary artery aneurysm.

Pyloric stenosis electrolyte pattern

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis causes projectile nonbilious vomiting at 3 to 6 weeks of age, producing hypochloremic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis that must be corrected before surgery.

Bronchiolitis supportive care

Bronchiolitis from respiratory syncytial virus is managed with suctioning, oxygen, and hydration. Routine bronchodilators and corticosteroids are not recommended because they do not improve outcomes.

Neutropenic precautions threshold

When the absolute neutrophil count falls below 500 cells per cubic millimeter, protective precautions are required. Any fever of 38.3 degrees Celsius or higher needs urgent cultures and antibiotics.

Sweat chloride diagnostic value

A sweat chloride concentration of 60 mmol/L or greater on two occasions confirms cystic fibrosis. Values between 30 and 59 mmol/L are intermediate and require further genetic testing.

Pediatric assent requirement

Children about 7 years and older should provide developmental assent for procedures and research, while a parent or legal guardian provides the legal informed consent.

Mandatory abuse reporting

Nurses must report suspected child abuse to designated authorities based on reasonable suspicion rather than proof, and good-faith reporting is legally protected from liability.

Emancipated minor consent

Emancipated minors, including those who are married, serving in the military, or declared financially independent by court order, may legally consent to their own treatment in most states.

Ethical principle nonmaleficence

Nonmaleficence is the obligation to avoid causing harm. In pediatrics it supports minimizing painful procedures and carefully weighing sedation risks against diagnostic or treatment benefits.

Family-centered care core concept

Family-centered care treats the family as a constant in the child's life and requires collaboration, information sharing, and respect for cultural and family preferences during care planning.