NR 328
(EDAPT WEEK 3)
Pediatric Cardiology & Assessment Techniques
Pediatric Nursing
,MODULE 1
Pediatric Circulatory System
Alterations
During this learning activity, the focus will be on cardiovascular functions
and alterations. The field of pediatric cardiology has experienced an
evolution over the past half century. There have been advances in
diagnostic techniques, procedures, and pediatric anesthesia.
Consequently, the pediatric nurse is required to be more sophisticated in
assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care when it
comes to pediatric cardiovascular pathology.
By completing these learning activities, the learner will gain the knowledge
and skills needed to:
describe hemodynamics, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and
diagnostic evaluation of children with cardiovascular alterations
conduct assessment of cardiac function when caring for children
with cardiovascular alterations
Toddler Assessment
A caregiver brings their 4-year-old son in for a check-up. Which
assessment finding should the nurse be concerned about?
Resting pulse rate of 130
Pulse rate in preschool children decreases to about 85 bpm typically, so
the nurse should be concerned about a pulse rate of 130 in a 4-year-old.
,Physical Assessment: Setting the
Tone
The nurse is teaching the student nurse how to perform a physical
assessment based on the child's developmental stage. Which statement
accurately describes a recommended guideline for setting the tone of the
examination for a school-age child?
Include the child in all parts of the examination; speak to the
caregiver before and after the examination.
For a school-age child, the nurse should include the child in all parts of the
examination and speak to the caregiver before and after the examination.
Vital Signs and Children
The nursing professor is observing the student nurse measure the vital
signs of several children. Which actions by the student demonstrate
knowledge of the procedure? Select all that apply.
The student assesses the child’s femoral pulses bilaterally at the same
time.
The student listens to the 12-month-old's heart for 10-20 seconds before
beginning to count the rate for a minute.
The student auscultates a 7-year-old's apical pulse for 60 seconds.
The radial pulse is difficult to palpate accurately in children younger than 2
years of age because the blood vessels lie close to the skin surface and are
easily obliterated. Infants and young children are often nervous or fearful,
causing the heart rate to elevate; therefore, the nurse should listen to the
heart a few seconds before counting the pulse. For children younger than
10 years of age, auscultate the apical pulse with the stethoscope for a full
, minute. Infants’ respirations are primarily diaphragmatic, so count the
abdominal movements. In infants, brachial and femoral pulses should be
palpated and compared bilaterally at the same time while assessing
strength and regularity.
Cardiovascular Function in Children
There are a variety of pediatric concepts and alterations to consider when
learning about cardiovascular function in children. Before you explore
specific alterations, let's consider the structure and function of fetal
circulation and the cardiovascular system in the early stages of life. For
example, as the child grows and develops, the circulatory system also
grows and adapts to nutritional and oxygen requirements. Moreover, the
heart, blood vessels, and lymph system also develop.
Cardiac Pathophysiology
After birth, which structures in the newborn heart need to close to allow
for normal blood circulation and make the lungs become fully
operational? Select all that apply
Foramen ovale
Ductus arteriosus
Closure of the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus allow for the blood to
pass through the lungs. At this point, the lungs become fully operational
and normal blood circulation is developed.
Indicators of Cardiac Dysfunction
In a pediatric patient, tachycardia may indicate decreased cardiac output
and can be a sign of early cardiac dysfunction.
(EDAPT WEEK 3)
Pediatric Cardiology & Assessment Techniques
Pediatric Nursing
,MODULE 1
Pediatric Circulatory System
Alterations
During this learning activity, the focus will be on cardiovascular functions
and alterations. The field of pediatric cardiology has experienced an
evolution over the past half century. There have been advances in
diagnostic techniques, procedures, and pediatric anesthesia.
Consequently, the pediatric nurse is required to be more sophisticated in
assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care when it
comes to pediatric cardiovascular pathology.
By completing these learning activities, the learner will gain the knowledge
and skills needed to:
describe hemodynamics, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and
diagnostic evaluation of children with cardiovascular alterations
conduct assessment of cardiac function when caring for children
with cardiovascular alterations
Toddler Assessment
A caregiver brings their 4-year-old son in for a check-up. Which
assessment finding should the nurse be concerned about?
Resting pulse rate of 130
Pulse rate in preschool children decreases to about 85 bpm typically, so
the nurse should be concerned about a pulse rate of 130 in a 4-year-old.
,Physical Assessment: Setting the
Tone
The nurse is teaching the student nurse how to perform a physical
assessment based on the child's developmental stage. Which statement
accurately describes a recommended guideline for setting the tone of the
examination for a school-age child?
Include the child in all parts of the examination; speak to the
caregiver before and after the examination.
For a school-age child, the nurse should include the child in all parts of the
examination and speak to the caregiver before and after the examination.
Vital Signs and Children
The nursing professor is observing the student nurse measure the vital
signs of several children. Which actions by the student demonstrate
knowledge of the procedure? Select all that apply.
The student assesses the child’s femoral pulses bilaterally at the same
time.
The student listens to the 12-month-old's heart for 10-20 seconds before
beginning to count the rate for a minute.
The student auscultates a 7-year-old's apical pulse for 60 seconds.
The radial pulse is difficult to palpate accurately in children younger than 2
years of age because the blood vessels lie close to the skin surface and are
easily obliterated. Infants and young children are often nervous or fearful,
causing the heart rate to elevate; therefore, the nurse should listen to the
heart a few seconds before counting the pulse. For children younger than
10 years of age, auscultate the apical pulse with the stethoscope for a full
, minute. Infants’ respirations are primarily diaphragmatic, so count the
abdominal movements. In infants, brachial and femoral pulses should be
palpated and compared bilaterally at the same time while assessing
strength and regularity.
Cardiovascular Function in Children
There are a variety of pediatric concepts and alterations to consider when
learning about cardiovascular function in children. Before you explore
specific alterations, let's consider the structure and function of fetal
circulation and the cardiovascular system in the early stages of life. For
example, as the child grows and develops, the circulatory system also
grows and adapts to nutritional and oxygen requirements. Moreover, the
heart, blood vessels, and lymph system also develop.
Cardiac Pathophysiology
After birth, which structures in the newborn heart need to close to allow
for normal blood circulation and make the lungs become fully
operational? Select all that apply
Foramen ovale
Ductus arteriosus
Closure of the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus allow for the blood to
pass through the lungs. At this point, the lungs become fully operational
and normal blood circulation is developed.
Indicators of Cardiac Dysfunction
In a pediatric patient, tachycardia may indicate decreased cardiac output
and can be a sign of early cardiac dysfunction.
