Pediatric Nursing Care: A Comprehensive Guide
Child Development and Growth Milestones
Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development
Sensorimotor Stage (Birth to 1 Year): Infants learn through their senses and motor actions.
Preoperational Stage (2 to 7 Years): Children develop imagination and language skills but have egocentric thinking.
Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development
Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth to 12 Months): Infants develop a sense of trust when their needs are consistently met.
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1 to 3 Years): Toddlers develop a sense of independence and self-control.
Initiative vs. Guilt (3 to 6 Years): Preschoolers develop a sense of purpose and initiative.
Play and Social Development
Solitary Play (1 Month to 1 Year): Infants play alone.
Parallel Play (1 to 3 Years): Toddlers play alongside other children but do not interact.
Associative Play (3 to 5 Years): Preschoolers interact with other children but do not work together on a common goal.
Developmental Milestones
- Birth to 3 Months: Responds to colorful mobiles, music, and caregiver’s face.
- 3 to 6 Months: Reaches for and grasps objects, enjoys noise-making and soft toys.
- 6 to 9 Months: Begins teething, engages in social interactions.
- 9 to 12 Months: Plays with large blocks, toys that pop apart, and push-pull toys.
- Toddlers: Enjoys cloth books, large puzzles, crayons, push-pull toys, balls, and tricycles.
- Preschoolers: Engages in imaginative play, drawing, painting, riding tricycles, jumping, and running.
Vaccinations
Recommended Vaccinations:
- Influenza (for children with asthma, cardiac disease, and cystic fibrosis)
- Meningococcal
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Hepatitis B
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Rotavirus
- Polio
- Pneumococcal
Contraindications to Vaccinations:
- Febrile illness
- Anaphylaxis to previous vaccine
- Pregnancy (for live vaccines)
Common Childhood Illnesses
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
- Common cold
- Acute nasopharyngitis
- Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)
- Tonsillitis
- Influenza
- Otitis media (ear infection)
- Croup
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Bronchitis
- Bronchiolitis
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Pneumonia
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis (CF)
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
- Clubfoot (Talipes equinovarus)
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Scoliosis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Nursing Considerations
- Assess vital signs and growth parameters regularly.
- Monitor for signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- Provide age-appropriate pain management.
- Educate parents on proper medication administration and home care.
- Promote healthy eating habits and physical activity.
- Support families and provide emotional support.