Pediatric Nursing: Foundation Guide for Student Nurses

Pediatric nursing requires age-appropriate assessment, family-centered communication, safe medication practice, growth and development knowledge, and early recognition of deterioration.

Children Are Not Small Adults

Normal vital signs, fluid needs, medication dosing, communication, and developmental abilities change with age. Always interpret findings in relation to developmental stage.

Family-Centered Care

Parents and caregivers are important partners in assessment, comfort, education, and discharge planning. Communicate directly with the child at an age-appropriate level whenever possible.

Growth and Development

Assessment includes physical growth, motor development, language, social interaction, cognition, school function, and behavior.

Hydration

Children can deteriorate quickly with vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or poor intake. Monitor urine output, weight, mucous membranes, activity, perfusion, and other clinical signs.

Medication Safety

Pediatric doses are often weight-based and require careful calculation and verification. Follow institutional policy and double-check high-risk calculations.

Respiratory Deterioration

Increased work of breathing, retractions, grunting, cyanosis, poor feeding, lethargy, or falling oxygen saturation require prompt assessment and escalation.