Pediatric Assessment 3 Flashcards
with premature infant growth measurements
have to adjust measurements, cannot say there is a delay until there is a trend
Growth measurements
Recumbent length for infants up to age 36 months + weight and head circumference; Standing height + weight after age 37 months
Plot on growth chart
By gender and prematurity if appropriate; Less than 5th or greater than 95th percentile considered outside expected parameters for height, weight, head circumference
if decrease in size then
soft spot fuzed too soon, internal infection, chromosome disorder, drugs or alcohol
head circumference should grow at
same time
increase size
increase fluid in brain
measuring
head should grow w/ same rate as rest of the body
chest measurement
in beginning head greater than chest, then after 1 year chest should be bigger
abdominal measuring
done to look at if distended or not
measures for length from
crown of head to feet
Ethnic differences for growth
gives genetic background
Expected growth rates at various ages
tell how well the child is nourished
Use of skinfold thickness and arm circumference for
evaluation of body composition of muscle and adipose tissue
Physiologic Measurements
Importance of physiologic measurements in overall pediatric assessment; Comparison with normal values for each age group
First Vital Sign for Infant **
Count respirations FIRST (before disturbing the child)
Second Vital Sign for Infant **
Count apical heart rate SECOND
Third Vital Sign for Infant **
Measure blood pressure (if applicable) THIRD
Last Vital Sign for Infant **
Measure temperature LAST
temperature measurement
axillary is recommended; have temperature changes because they cannot regulate heart as well as adults
can measure pediatric bp where
brachial artery, radial artery, popliteal artery, dorsalis pedis artery, posterior tibial artery
because it make be difficult to palpate infant pulse use
brachial or popliteal
physical assessment on skin
skin should be smooth, temperature may be cooler, skin turgor correlates with weight loss; good indicator if infant is hydrated
palpate head for
soft spot
test head and neck for
strength
