Posted: December 11th, 2022

Nursing Care Plan for Pediatric Patient

Nursing Care Plan for Pediatric Patient.

Pediatric patients have unique healthcare needs that require a specialized approach to treatment. These needs are influenced by factors such as age, developmental stage, and the specific medical condition of the child. A pediatric nurse must understand and establish these clinical needs before beginning treatment. This understanding forms the foundation for providing appropriate and effective care tailored to each individual child. By doing so, they can take the appropriate measures before, during, and after treatment.

The main challenge lies in communicating and understanding their feelings and thoughts. Effective communication is crucial in pediatric nursing as it helps build trust and cooperation with both the child and their family. This is especially difficult for very young patients who cannot speak. In such cases, pediatric nurses must rely on non-verbal cues, behavioral observations, and parental input to assess the child’s condition and needs. As such, a pediatric nurse must be highly skilled in communication.

The care planning process for pediatric patients can be simplified into the following steps. Each step is designed to ensure comprehensive and child-centered care.

• Build Relationships
The first step in the care planning process is understanding the child and family’s needs and strengths. This understanding is crucial for developing a care plan that addresses not only the medical aspects but also the psychosocial needs of the patient and family. This begins with building a trusting relationship with your young patient and their parents as well. Building trust is a cornerstone of effective pediatric nursing, as it facilitates better cooperation and communication throughout the treatment process. You can try greeting the children first to help them feel important. This approach acknowledges the child as the primary patient and helps to establish a positive rapport from the outset. After engaging the child for a few seconds, you can proceed and greet their parents. This sequence demonstrates respect for both the child and the parents, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Be as interactive as possible with your patient to help release any tension and make them feel comfortable. Interactive engagement can include age-appropriate games, conversation, or even simple gestures that help the child feel at ease in the clinical setting.

As you interact with them, try to assess the family’s needs, strengths, and gaps and try to address existing medical, behavioural, environmental, social, and financial concerns that may affect the treatment process. This holistic assessment is crucial for developing a comprehensive care plan that considers all factors influencing the child’s health and well-being.

• Assessment
Assessment requires the collaboration of your patient. This collaboration is essential for obtaining accurate information and ensuring the child’s cooperation during physical examinations and procedures. After developing a trusting relationship, this becomes a very easy process. The trust established earlier facilitates a more smooth and accurate assessment. Continue engaging and interacting with them even as you assess them to make them feel at ease. Maintaining engagement during assessment helps to reduce anxiety and promotes a more relaxed environment for both the child and their family. For instance, before conducting a lung assessment or taking their temperatures, allow them to look at the stethoscope and make a few joking comments. This approach demystifies medical equipment and procedures, making them less intimidating for the child. Also, ensure you let them know what you are about to do in simple terms in an honest, relaxed tone. Clear, age-appropriate explanations help the child understand what to expect, reducing fear and promoting cooperation.

• Diagnosis
Do a comprehensive assessment before arriving at a final diagnosis. A thorough assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis, especially in pediatric patients where symptoms may present differently than in adults. Try communicating with parents to probe for more information that can influence the diagnosis. Parental input is invaluable in pediatric care, as parents often have insights into subtle changes in their child’s behavior or health that may not be immediately apparent during a clinical assessment. Ask for prior illnesses, surgeries, or whether the patient is currently under any medication. This medical history is crucial for understanding the child’s overall health context and potential factors influencing their current condition. Parents tend to get worried if they don’t understand their child’s medical condition. Parental anxiety can significantly impact the child’s experience and treatment outcomes, making clear communication essential. Explain to them slowly to make them understand the diagnosis and address their concerns. Taking the time to ensure parents fully understand the diagnosis can improve treatment adherence and outcomes.

• Care of plan
If you are confident with diagnosis, ensure to communicate it to the parents and suggest the best possible care plan for the child. Clear communication of the diagnosis and treatment plan is crucial for gaining parental cooperation and support. The parents have an enormous influence on the response and behavior towards treatment. Recognizing and leveraging parental influence can significantly enhance treatment effectiveness and the child’s overall experience. For young teenagers, you can try talking to them to establish their preferences and also explaining the process and the benefits. Involving adolescents in their care planning promotes autonomy and can improve treatment adherence.

The nature and diversity of pediatric patients can be overwhelming to a pediatric nurse. This diversity requires a flexible and adaptable approach to nursing care. From infants, young children, teenagers, to mentally challenged children. Each age group and condition presents unique challenges and requires specific skills and knowledge. To be a successful pediatric nurse, let your guard down and try communicating with your patients at their level in a way they understand best. This approach fosters trust, improves communication, and ultimately leads to better care outcomes.

References:

(2023). Innovations in Pediatric Nursing: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advancements. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 58, 12-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2023.02.003

(2022). Family-Centered Care in Pediatric Nursing: Current Practices and Future Directions. Pediatrics, 149(3), e2021054321. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-054321

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Tags: Care Planning, Communication Skills, Family-Centered Care, Pediatric Nursing