What is essential to success with pediatric patients?
- understanding that children are not small adults
- appreciating their need to be approached at their level
What type of atmosphere should be at pediatric centers?
Atmosphere that is appealing and pleasing to all children
Who is usually dealt with in pediatric appointments?
The child and the parent
If the child is old enough to comprehend, who should you speak to?
The child directly
What language should be used with children?
Age appropriate language at their eye level
How should you deal with an agitated parent?
Remain calm and speak in a soothing voice, and listen with concern. Provide explanation and comfort
How should the child be approached?
With a warm smile, at their eye level, state brieftly what you’re doing
What distraction techniques should be used with children?
Ask about school, sports, siblinds, cartoons or TV shows, etc
What are age specific needs of infants to 6 month olds?
Warmth, security and nourishment
- quiet movements and sounds, pacifiers and comfort items
What are age specific needs of 6 month to 2 year olds?
Fear of pain, separation and limited movements
- require more immobilization techniques and parent participation
What are age specific needs of 2-4 year olds?
Very curious, enjoy fantasy and games
- respond to praise unless agrivated then distraction techniques are needed
What are age specific needs of 5 year olds?
Vary widely, can be mature or very clingly
What are age specific needs of 6 year olds?
Ideal age for inexperienced techs, they are eager to please and easy to communicate with
What are age specific needs of preteens and adolescents?
Able to understand, but worry about recovery and need clear instructions, sensitive topics like menstruation arise in this age group
What are age specific needs of special needs patients?
Try to communicate with child but if unsuccessful communicate with parent
What are age specific needs of patients with psychological considerations?
Maintain a calim tone and manner, communicate what to expect and explain next steps
What are age specific needs of premature infant?
The greatest danger to them is hypothermia so keep them in warmer or isolette
What are age specific needs of myelomeningocele?
A form of spina bifida where the spinal cord protrudes from the back, procedures need to be performed with the patient prone
What is an omphalocele?
A congenital defect where there is herniation of the bowel or liver in a sac outside the body
What is gastroschisis?
A similar condition where a herniation occurs lateral to the umbilicus and bowel is not covered in a sac
What is osteogenesis imperfecta?
Brittle bone disease where the bones are prone to spontaneous fractures
What should be done in cases of suspected child abuse?
Health care workers are mandated reports and should report to radiologist or attending.
What are clasic x-ray indicators of child abuse?
- Posterior rib fractures
- corner fractures
- “bucket handle” fractures of limbs
What imaging should be done with suspected child abuse?
AP and lat skull, AP and lat spine, AP humeri, AP forearms, AP pelvis, AP femora, AP tib/fib, AP feet and AP and lat ribs
