N104: Essentials of Nursing Care - Health Safety

N104: Essentials of Nursing Care – Health Safety Study Guide 5.2 The Role of the Pediatric Nurse The pediatric nurse must care for the patient in the context of the family. This relationship with the patient and family must involve patterns of open communication and genuine caring that encourages the growth of the family's ability to control the child's health. In this relationship, the nurse will: • Act as the child's advocate: The nurse must help the family make choices that are appropriate for the child. The family must be actively involved in learning about and participating in all the treatments. • Act as the patient's and family's teacher: Health promotion and illness prevention are best accomplished by teaching the family about normal growth and development, including what hazards and issues are predominant in each stage of the development. Safety is one of the primary issues for the pediatric nurse to teach about, since injuries are one of the most common health problems in childhood. • Act as a family counselor: The nurse should allow each family member to express their concerns. In some cases, the nurse will be required to request a social service or case management consult in order to help the family deal with stressors. • Act as a primary healthcare provider: The pediatric nurse must be aware of the normal growth and development, vital signs, and normal variations of all health assessments. • Function within the context of the healthcare team: As the primary planner and coordinator of the child's care, it is also important for the nurse to constantly collaborate with other team members. • Work to add to the knowledge base of the profession: This is accomplished by using standard practices and recognizing the benefits and limits of each practice. 5.3 Factors Influencing Pediatric Care Communication in Pediatric Care In addition to the communication techniques described previously, the pediatric nurse must use additional techniques specific to different ages. In general, the pediatric nurse will: • Get on the child's level so the child does not have to look up at the nurse • Talk directly to the child, but ensure that the family is also part of the conversation • Use dolls and stuffed animals for "breaking the ice" and explaining treatments • Speak slowly and quietly using simple words There are also specific techniques that can be used for children of different ages. • Infants respond to the gentle physical touch and cuddling. They can be frightened by loud voices and noises. Infants may have stranger anxiety, so it is appropriate to allow the parent to hold the infant during the exam. Many infants respond much better to the nurse if the infant is allowed to sit propped up in the caregiver's lap. • Children under age five are typically fascinated by the tools and instruments. Allow them to touch the stethoscope, otoscope, and other tools and the child at this age will typically allow the nurse to use those tools during the exam. Be honest with the child; if a treatment is going to hurt, let the child know what to expect. • School age children want to know reasons for everything. At this age, the word "why" will be

©2017

Achieve Test Prep

Page 76

of 135