Pediatrics & Neonatals Flashcards
Newborn
A child recently born, and within the first few hours of life.
— Range: First few hours of life
Responds to: Bonding / Peripheries
Neonate / Neonatal
A child that is less than 28 days of age, or younger than one month old.
During these first 28 days of life, the child is at highest risk of dying.
Will commonly communicate their needs via crying.
— Range: Less than 28 days of age
Responds to: Physical stimuli / body needs
Infant
A child that is older than a month, and within their first year of life.
Assess an infant from a distance, or while the parent is holding them.
— Range: Up to 1 year of age
Responds to: Minimal stranger anxiety
Toddler
A child between the stages of infancy (1 year old) and 3 years old.
Make observations prior to touching the child.
Begin any hands-on assessment (if possible) at their feet to avoid panic.
— Range: 1 to 3 years of age
Responds to: Thoughts of punishments
Preschooler
A child between the ages of 3 years old and 5 years old.
They can often talk with simple words, but typically cannot understand what is happening and are scared by the sight of blood.
Begin assessments with least invasive options first the graduate to more invasive.
— Range: 3 to 5 years of age
Responds to: Thoughts of punishments
Myelomeningocele
(Myelo)
Myelomeningocele is the most serious type of Spina Bifida.
Spina Bifida happens when a baby’s backbone (spine) does not form normally during pregnancy.
The baby is born with a gap in the bones of the spine; the myelomeningocele is a sac that contains part of the spinal cord.
Assessment Findings:
— Grossly visible spinal lesion — Sac containing meninges — Sac containing cerebrospinal fluid — Visible nerve tissue in vertebral columns
Treatments:
— Supplemental O2 (as needed) — Surgery within 72 hours of birth — Placed in prone position — Temperature regulation
Spina Bifida Occulta
(Hidden Bifida)
Spina Bifida Occulta is the mildest type of Spina Bifida.
With it, there is a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac on the back, with the spinal cord and the nerves usually presenting normally.
Many times, Spina Bifida Occulta is not discovered until late childhood or adulthood.
Assessment Findings:
— Visible dimple on base of spine — Patch of hair near base of spine — Redness near base of spine
Treatments:
— Supplemental O2 (as needed) — Surgery for tethered cords — Medical treatment often not needed
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
(HIE)
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain damage.
It’s caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain before or shortly after birth.
Assessment Findings:
— Lack of response to stimuli — Irregular breathing — Required needs for ventilator support — Absent Neonatal responses — Generalized Hypotonia — Depressed Deep Tendon Reflexes
Treatments:
— Supplemental O2 (as needed) — Medically Induced Cooling — Anti-seizure Medications
