PEDS Unit 6 Flashcards
What is the incubation period in infectious disease?
Time from entrance of pathogen into the body to appearance of first symptoms
Pathogens grow and multiply during this stage.
Define the period of communicability.
Time during which an infectious agent may be transferred from an infected person to another person
This can occur directly or indirectly.
What occurs during the prodrome stage of an infectious disease?
Onset of nonspecific symptoms such as fever, malaise, and fatigue to more specific symptoms
What characterizes the illness stage of an infectious disease?
Time during which child demonstrates signs and symptoms specific to infection type
What is convalescence in the context of infectious diseases?
Time when acute symptoms of illness disappear
When should a provider be called for a child with a fever?
- Any child younger than 3 months with rectal temperature >38°C (100.4°F)
- Any child who is lethargic or listless regardless of temperature
- Any child with fever lasting more than 3-5 days
- Any child with fever >40.6°C (105°F)
- Any child who is immunocompromised
What are the highest risk factors for sepsis in children?
- <1 month of age
- Immunocompromised
- Debilitating chronic conditions
- Serious injury or extensive surgery sites
- Genitourinary abnormalities with frequent urinary catheterization
- Indwelling vascular catheters
- Premature birth, PROM, or prolonged labor
- Maternal TORCH infection
- Meconium aspiration
List signs and symptoms of sepsis.
- Child does not look or act right
- Lethargy
- Increased irritability
- Pallor
- Temperature instability
- Poor sucking or feeding difficulty
- Changes in mental status
- Rash
- Increased work of breathing
- Dehydration
- Poor muscle tone
- Seizures
- Tachycardia or bradycardia in infants
What laboratory findings may indicate sepsis?
- Elevated WBC
- Decreased WBC (ominous sign)
- Lactate level >2
- Elevated C-reactive protein
- Positive bacterial blood culture
- Possible positive bacterial urine culture
- Increased WBC, protein, low glucose in CSF
- Positive stool culture for infectious organisms
What is the nursing management for sepsis in children?
- Managed aggressively in neonates and infants
- PICU admission
- IV antibiotic therapy immediately after cultures obtained
- Antibiotics discontinued after 72 hours if cultures are negative and symptoms are gone
- Use aseptic technique
How is scarlet fever transmitted?
Contact with droplets of respiratory secretions
What are the key symptoms of scarlet fever?
- Abrupt onset, fever, chills, body aches
- Red and swollen pharynx
- Strawberry tongue
- Sandpaper-like rash lasting 5 days
What is the incubation period for diphtheria?
Time from exposure to onset of symptoms, typically 2-5 days
What are the nursing assessments for diphtheria?
- Immunization history
- Sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing
What is the hallmark symptom of pertussis?
Paroxysmal cough
What is the incubation period for measles?
10-12 days
What are Koplik spots associated with?
Measles
What are common complications of measles?
- Diarrhea
- Otitis media
- Pneumonia
- Acute encephalitis
What is the communicable period for mumps?
Several days before parotitis and for 6-9 days after parotid swelling begins
What is the incubation period for rubella?
12-23 days; averaging 2 weeks
What is the primary prevention method for varicella?
Varicella vaccine
What is a characteristic symptom of roseola infantum?
High fever followed by a rash
What is the incubation period for fifth disease?
4-28 days
What is the treatment for pediculosis capitis?
Wash hair with permethrin shampoo, repeat in about a week
What are the key characteristics of scabies?
Intensely pruritic rash with burrow tracks
What is iron deficiency anemia?
Condition where body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin
What are common risk factors for iron deficiency anemia?
- Maternal anemia
- Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy
- Cow’s milk consumption before 12 months
- Lack of iron in formula
- Chronic/acute blood loss
What are some clinical signs of iron deficiency anemia?
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Pallor
- Shortness of breath
What dietary recommendations are made for iron deficiency anemia?
- Iron-fortified formula
- Iron-rich foods
- Limit cow’s milk to 24oz/day
- Avoid junk food
What are the laboratory findings associated with decreased iron levels?
Decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte count, decreased serum iron and ferritin levels
These findings indicate potential iron deficiency anemia.
What is a key nursing management strategy to promote safety in patients with iron deficiency?
Monitor for unsteady gait, dizziness, or muscle weakness
These symptoms may indicate the need for safety precautions.
What dietary recommendations should be provided to patients at risk for iron deficiency?
Iron fortified formula, iron rich foods, limit cow’s milk to 24oz/day, avoid junk food
Referral to a dietician, development specialist, and WIC may be necessary.
At what age should breast-fed infants start receiving oral iron supplementation?
Around 4-5 months old
This is to prevent iron deficiency during early development.
What is the recommended dosage for ferrous sulfate in children?
3-6mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses
This dosage helps ensure effective treatment of iron deficiency.
When taking iron supplements, what should be done to enhance absorption?
Take with citrus fruit
Vitamin C enhances iron absorption.
How can liquid iron supplements be administered to prevent staining of teeth?
Place liquid behind teeth
This method helps minimize contact with teeth to reduce staining.
What is a common side effect of iron supplementation?
Black stool is expected
This is a normal reaction to iron supplements and should not be a cause for alarm.
What dietary considerations should be made for patients on vegan diets regarding iron?
Need fortified breads and cereals, high iron foods with high vitamin C, and calcium and vitamin D
These nutrients are essential for proper iron absorption and overall health.
True or False: Iron blocks the absorption of other foods.
True
This is an important consideration when scheduling meals and supplements.
