1. Chapter 27
Pediatrics

2. 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]

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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)

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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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)

11. 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)

12. 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