PED-BC study guide
PED-BC · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Pediatric Nursing Certification (PED-BC) is a specialty credential for registered nurses who care for infants, children, and adolescents, awarded through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the credentialing arm of the American Nurses Enterprise. It signals that a nurse has met a nationally recognized standard of pediatric knowledge and is typically pursued by nurses working in inpatient pediatric units, ambulatory and specialty clinics, emergency departments, schools, and other child-health settings who want to distinguish their practice and support career advancement. The PED-BC study guide has 5 sections and about 1,564 words.
01Assessment and Monitoring
A pediatric assessment is organized around the child's developmental stage, not an adult head-to-toe script. Gather history from the caregiver first while the child settles, then perform the exam least invasive first: observe and auscultate while the child is quiet, then palpate, and save ears, throat, and other intrusive steps for last.
303 words, about 2 min02Growth and Development
Growth is quantitative (weight, length or height, head circumference plotted on age- and sex-specific charts); development is qualitative and follows predictable sequences: cephalocaudal (head to toe), proximodistal (center outward), and gross motor before fine motor. Learn theorists with their age bands.
306 words, about 2 min03Health Promotion, Prevention, and Education
Most pediatric visits are well-child visits. Know the logic behind immunization timing and screening: risk-based lead questionnaires with blood lead levels at 12 and 24 months for at-risk children, vision and hearing screening, hemoglobin around 12 months, and a dental home by age 1.
312 words, about 2 min04Acute and Chronic Illness Management
Asthma is managed stepwise: a short-acting beta agonist for rescue, inhaled corticosteroids for persistent symptoms, a spacer for children, and a written action plan with school access to medication. Bronchiolitis is supportive: suction, hydration, oxygen as needed; routine bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics are not recommended.
313 words, about 2 min05Professional Practice, Ethics, and Advocacy
Care is planned around the family as the constant, with the child's developmental needs respected and the family's culture, language, and values incorporated. Atraumatic care, meaning minimize separation, minimize pain, and minimize disruption, guides every procedure.
330 words, about 2 min