Published Feb 8, 2007
nurseofalltrades
85 Posts
i am writing my first pediatric assessment/care plan. any advice? i had the hang of med-surg assessments/careplans, but am a little befuddled with this one..can anyone shed some light on this for me?
Agent99
57 Posts
What exactly are you having trouble with? Can you be more specific?
RunnerRN, BSN, RN
378 Posts
Similar to med surg care plans, but you need to be sure to include more psychosocial, play stage, and age appropriate info. Also medication dosages are much more important in peds than adults - just because their toxic level is so much lower. Also have info on including parents and education.
Yes, I agree with Runner. Incorporate the developmental stage the child is in and how it relates to the child's response to his/her illness. You are also nursing the family so add that in too (with cultural issues added in).
Education is very important. Some patients go home with feeding tubes, etc. and the parents have to know how to give meds/feedings/troubleshooting for example.
Thanks for your advice. I like the statement "you are nursing the family too". Some people forget that the family is a very important part in the hospitalization. I will include teaching aspects also. Thanks again for helping out a student!
You're welcome, and good luck!