NRS-434VN Topic 2: Health Assessment of the Toddler, Preschool, and School-Aged Child
NRS-434VN Topic 2: Health Assessment of the Toddler, Preschool, and School-Aged Child
Topic 2: Health Assessment of the Toddler, Preschool, and School-Aged Child
Objectives:
- Demonstrate clinical reasoning in conducting a child health assessment.
- Apply Erikson’s stages of child development to health assessment.
- Examine factors that increase the vulnerability of a child.
- Compare the physical assessment of a child to that of an adult.
Health Assessment: Foundations for Effective Practice. NRS-434VN Topic 2: Health Assessment of the Toddler, Preschool, and School-Aged Child |
Read Chapter 2 in Health Assessment: Foundations for Effective Practice. Use the Appendix as needed to complete your assignments.
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Compare the physical assessment of a child to that of an adult. In addition to describing the similar/different aspects of the physical assessment, explain how the nurse would offer instruction during the assessment, how communication would be adapted to offer explanations, and what strategies the nurse would use to encourage engagement.
Re: Topic 2 DQ 2 Sample Approach
The physical exam of a child requires sensitivity and privacy, just like that of an adult. Children should be allowed to be accompanied by their guardian, but also be allowed to be examined in private if they request it once they are teenagers. The assessment of an adult is a systemic, head-to-toe assessment, accompanied with multiple interview questions to get a full picture of their healthcare and chief complaints (Falkner, Chapter 4, 2018). The assessment of a child may be much different-there is still a head-to-toe assessment, but this is likely more based on visual assessment of how the child moves, plays, speaks, and interacts, rather than a full-on hands-on assessment. Questions are usually directed at the parent or guardian, and the child rarely has input on their health history (Falkner, Chapter 2, 2018).
A nurse could offer a child instruction through the parent or guardian. In other words, saying “Mommy is going to help you take your shirt off so I can listen to your belly and breathing” instead of “take off your shirt so I can listen to your abdomen and lungs.” Another great communication technique with children is allowing them to touch, see, listen to/with, and interact with any medical equipment that will be used on them like a stethoscope. This helps increase their comfort level, and bonds the nurse to them as they increase their trust. Using very simple, easy to understand language is also important during the assessment of a child. This allows them to feel as if they know what is going on and what is happening to them. Offering a child a choice when it comes to flavors, colors, or textures is also ideal. This offers them a sense of control over the situation and their bodies and helps them to engage in the assessment. NRS-434VN Topic 2: Health Assessment of the Toddler, Preschool, and School-Aged Child
References
Falkner, A. (2018). Health assessment: Foundations for effective practice (1st edition). Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment-foundations-for-effective-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/2
Falkner, A. (2018). Health assessment: Foundations for effective practice (1st edition). Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment-foundations-for-effective-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/4