Peds is kicking my butt!

Nursing Students Student Assist

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Why am I having so much trouble with these care plans for peds? It seems like nothing fits!

I am having to do a care plan for a 14 month old female with the flu. Everything I come across seems more like adult or geriatric problems.

I have come up with...

Hyperthermia r/t an infectious process

Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements r/t decrease in appetite due to illness

Sleep deprivation r/t discomfort AEB obstructed nasal passages (really reaching on this one!)

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Specializes in ER, Med-Surg.

I haven't gotten this far in school...as far as interventions are concerned.. I would focus on her comfort. I would include distractions, maybe to help get her mind off being sick. Let her have a wet rag or a cold teething toy to help with the hyperthermia.

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Specializes in ED.

What is a priority for ANY pediatric /infant patient? Think ABCs and what will kill 'em the fastest. Don't forget to look at the manifestations & patho of the flu for an infant.

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

What kind of flu...is is upper resp...or GI..that really matters and will get you going in the right direction. Is she dehydrated...why is the patient in the hospital? What are her skilled nursing needs?

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Specializes in LTC, Family Practice, Meg/Surg.

Yes, you definitely want to consider RESPIRATORY with Peds. Do they have any respiratory symptoms? If yes, that is your major concern. ABC's is right. ;)

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deff respiratory as a main focus if she had any..another one is risk for fluid volume deficit..with the fever and im guesin n/v & d with the the flu that could be a huge problem

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Specializes in Oncology.

I believe you're thinking about it too much. Go back to the basics and basic care. I realized that I had the most trouble coming up with interventions in pediatric care plans because I was so focused on what the *child* could do. Don't forget about the caregivers and family! There is a lot to be said for collaboration/teaching interventions in this population, especially with the babies.

Respiratory potentials: Ineffective Breathing Pattern, Ineffective Airway Clearance, Risk for Aspiration, etc.

GI potentials: Nausea, Diarrhea

Others: Acute Pain/Discomfort, Anxiety

I honestly think Hyperthermia and Sleep Deprivation are inappropriate unless there is a lot of information to back it up. Imbalanced Nutrition would probably not be your priority, either. Be sure to check out what data needs to be in place according to NANDA before you can assign a diagnosis.

Good luck! I love peds, but it was rough at times coming up with diagnoses after practicing with adults for 3 semesters!

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Don't forget fluid/ electrolyte imbalances:)

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Thanks for all the help...the ideas were a definite push in the right direction

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