Evidence-based nursing assessments and interventions: The acutely ill child

Abstract

Learning objectives In this chapter you will: • Develop your understanding of the evidence-based nursing assessments and interventions used in the care of acutely ill infants and young children • Develop your understanding of the aetiology, signs and symptoms of key acute illnesses experienced by infants and young children in Australia • Consider the developmental needs of infants and young children in the planning and implementation of nursing care • Explore the impact of illness and hospitalisation on infants and young children Introduction Children contract infections regularly during early childhood, and are also at risk of injury; thus they can experience episodes of acute illness. For the most part, these episodes are of short duration and resolve with the care of parents at home, sometimes with support from community health care professionals such as a general practitioner. However, in some instances the illness can reach a level of severity that requires nursing care and medical treatment in a hospital setting. Children aged 0–4 years are the most common age group presenting for care in an emergency department (AIHW, 2015). Infants and children are still developing, so they have physiological and anatomical differences from adults that require specialist skills and knowledge. Hospital environments can be challenging for both the young child and their family. For many families, visiting the emergency department with their sick child may be the first time they have ever had to seek acute care from a hospital. It is important that nurses understand this, and that we ensure the child's care is delivered in a way that is supportive and respectful of the individual child and their family. In Chapter 6, you were introduced to primary assessment of infants and children and recognition of the sick or deteriorating child. In this chapter, some key nursing considerations and interventions for the acutely unwell child will be discussed. Following this, you will explore some of the illnesses children can acquire that may require hospital care. You will be asked to reflect upon the nursing management of some of these conditions through review of case studies and reflective questions.