Chapter 27 Pediatrics

What Is Pediatrics? Branch of medicine that cares for newborns, infants, children, adolescents Patient population has special needs MAs knowledgeable about growth and development phases [FIGURE 27-1]

What Is Pediatrics? Medical assistant responsibilities: Taking history of child Assessing child Measuring vital signs, height, weight, vision, hearing Laboratory work Administration of injections Observing parent–child interactions Noting child’s development level

What Is Pediatrics? First physical examination of newborn Performed immediately after delivery Newborn APGAR scoring PKU and other testing “Well-child” versus “sick-child” visits Prevention of health problems and diseases Immunizations given 17 vaccine-preventable diseases

What Is Pediatrics? Preparation of vaccines for administration Most recommended vaccines administered first 15 to 18 months of life Vaccine storage follows manufacturer’s guidelines Essential to know what allergies child has Symptoms of side effects, contraindications, allergies (See Table 27-1: Vaccine Administration Guidelines) (See Procedure 27-1: Administration of a Vaccine)

What Is Pediatrics? Preparation of vaccines for administration MA responsible for documentation Immunization recordkeeping mandated by state and federal laws TPMS includes immunization recordkeeping Vaccines stimulate immune system to produce antibodies against pathogens (See Procedure 27-2: Maintaining Immunization Records)

What Is Pediatrics? Giving multiple vaccines at the same time [FIGURE 27-6A and FIGURE 27-6B] Giving multiple vaccines at the same time

What Is Pediatrics? Recommended vaccination schedule Repeated doses of several vaccines required Administer only compatible vaccines at any one visit Administered according to schedule to ensure complete vaccination by 15 to 18 months Booster vaccines on school entry

What Is Pediatrics? Considerations for vaccine administration Infection control (Standard Precautions) Hand washing Gloving Syringe selection Needle selection Needle-free injection (See Table 27-2: Injection Guide for Infants and Children)

What Is Pediatrics? Considerations for vaccine administration Inspecting vaccine Reconstitution Prefilling syringes Labeling Multiple vaccinations Nonstandard administration (See Table 27-2: Injection Guide for Infants and Children)

What Is Pediatrics? Considerations for vaccine administration Needle gauge Needle length Infants (younger than 12 months) Injection technique Toddlers and older children (12 months to 10 years) Adolescents and adults (11 years and older) (See Table 27-2: Injection Guide for Infants and Children)

What Is Pediatrics? Giving injections to pediatric patients Infants and toddlers held in such a way that they cannot move Parents informed of procedure for administering injections Birth to about 2 years of age, vastus lateralis muscle preferred site 2 to about 4 years old, deltoid preferred site