Question

In room 910 is S.B., a 10-year-old female who presents with a 3-day history of fever and lethargy after returning home from a weeklong overnight camp. Mother states that patient vomited ×3 today, is irritable, and is now walking with an unsteady gait.

Subjective Data:

Complains of light sensitivity

Complains of severe headache

Complains of dizziness when standing up

Objective Data:

Vital signs: T 38.6, HR 112, R 32, BP 104/68

Cap refill 4-5 seconds

Purpural rash noted to trunk

Nuchal rigidity on exam

Pupils 4mm briskly reactive to light bilaterally

Positive Kernig sign

WBC 27.8

CSF- Protein 160, Glucose <15, cloudy fluid

Electrolytes within normal limits with glucose 105

Item 2.   S.B. has severe neck pain when she is moved. Her mother asks you not to worry so much about measuring intake and output so her daughter can rest. How would you answer her? A few days later, S.B. is up and about. She has begun wetting the bed (Sodium level 140mEq) and refusing to participate in her care. How can nurses help parents deal with their child’s regression in the hospital? What can the nurse do to promote a sense of control during hospitalization for the school-age child? How would the nurse approach other pediatric age groups when hospitalized?

Answer 1

It is essential to educate the mother about the importance of intake and output to treat a hospitalized patients. Inform mother this reading enables to know the overall status of the child,monitors the progress or detoriation, body's ability to eliminate, etc. and helpful very much to plan the right treatment for the child.

The nurse has first educate the mother so that they actively participate to help the child recover faster

Remove their anxiety and support them emotionally or psychologically

The scheduling of the task can be done

Play, simple activities, games can help the nurse to promote a sense of control, during hospitalization of a school aged child.

The best way to approach pediatric cases are

• Play approach
• Parental involvement in the care
• Establish a friendly relationship with the child
• Music can help
• Ensure the child has great physical comfort than anything else.