Unit 9

What is the difference between a vaccine and a toxoid?

A vaccine is a suspension of attenuated or killed microorganisms. A toxoid is a toxin that has been treated by heat or chemicals to destroy it's harmful properties.

What is the purpose of the sick-child visit?

For the physician to evaluate the patient's condition to arrive at a diagnosis and to prescribe treatment.

Why can the PKU screening test be performed earlier on infants on formula compared with breast-fed babies? Formula contains

Formula contains phenylalanine whereas colostrum does not.

What is the importance of measuring blood pressure in children?

Helps to identify children at risk for developing hypertension as adults.

What are the components of the well-child visit?

Physician progressively evaluates the growth and development of the child. A patient's history and physical examination. They also receive necessary immunization and anticipatory guidance.

List five guidelines for preventing childhood obesity.

Provide a healthy diet, encourage active play, do not use food for reward, comfort or bribes, limit television, video and computer time, limit the amount of junk food kept in home.

What topics are commonly included in anticipatory guidance?

Safety, nutrition, sleep, play, exercise, development and discipline.

List three reasons for collecting a urine specimen from a child.

To assist in the diagnosis of a pathologic condition, to screen for the presence of disease as part of a general physical examination and to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy.

. Why is it important to measure the growth (weight and height or length) of a child during each office visit?

To evaluate the progress of a child.

What is the primary use of growth charts?

To look at the child's growth pattern

Why should the child's genitalia be cleansed before applying a pediatric urine collector?

To prevent contaminants that could affect the test results

What is the purpose of measuring head circumference?

To screen for microencephaly and macroencephaly.

What occurs if the blood pressure cuff is too small or too large?

Too small the reading may be falsely high. Too large the reading may be falsely low.

. At what age can the deltoid site be used to administer an IM injection to a child? Explain the reason for this.

Until the child is at least 18 months old. That is because the deltoid muscle is shallow and can accommodate a small amount of medication. The deltoid in a child under 18 months old is so small.

. What procedures are often performed by the medical assistant during pediatric office visits?

Vitals, measurement of visual and hearing acuity.

What information must be provided to parents as required by the NCVIA?

With the information about the benefits and risks of childhood immunization

What gauge and length (range) of needle are recommended for giving an intramuscular injection to a child?

5/8 inch to 1 inch length and 22 to 25 gauge

. Why is the vastus lateralis muscle recommended as a good site for giving an intramuscular injection to an infant or young child? How is this site located?

Away from major nerves and blood vessels and it is large enough to accommodate the injected medication. It is located by dividing the mid-anterior thigh into thirds. Is administered into the middle third of the thigh.

Why is it important for the medical assistant to develop a rapport with the pediatric patient?

The child will be more likely to cooperate during an examination or procedure.

Why is the dorsogluteal site not recommended for use as an intramuscular injection site in infants and young children?

The gluteus muscle is small and not well developed and is covered with a thick layer of fat. May come dangerously close to the sciatic nerve. Serious trauma can result from incorrect administration.

. What is the usual schedule for well-child visits

3-5 days, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months, 3 years, 4 years and once a year thereafter.

What three factors must be taken into consideration when determining if a child has hypertension?

Age, height and gender.

What criteria must be followed to determine the correct cuff size for a child?

Bladder of the cuff should encircle 80% to 100% of the arm. Child's arm circumference should be assessed at the midpoint between the acromion proves and the olecranon process

. List the two positions that can be used to safely carry an infant

Cradle position and upright position.

What problems are associated with childhood obesity?

High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, orthopaedic problems, skin disorders, sleep apnea, low self-esteem, social isolation, and feelings of rejection and depression.

What is the difference between height and length

Length is measured in children younger than 24 months and the infant is in a supine position. Older children have their height measured in a standing position

What are the symptoms of PKU if left untreated?

Mental retardation, tremors and poor muscle coordination

What is the primary cause of childhood obesity?

Overeating and inadequate exercise

The newborn screening test screens for which metabolic diseases?

PKU, biotinidase deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, maple sugar urine disease, congenital hypothyroidism, galactosemia, homocystinuria and sickle cell anemia.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, at what age and how often should blood pressure be measured in children?

Start at 3 years old and do it annually

What information is included in a VIS?

The benefits and risks of a vaccine and contains information about reporting an adverse reaction and how to get more information about childhood diseases and vaccines.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric, what immunizations are recommended for each of the following pediatric patients? a. 2-month-old infant: b. 6-month-old infant: c. 12-month-old infant: d. 5-year-old child

a. 2-month-old infant: hepatitis B, Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV13, IPV & Meningococcal b. 6-month-old infant: hepatitis B, Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV13, IPV & influenza c. 12-month-old infant: Hib, PCV13, Influenza, MMR, VAR, HepA d. 5-year-old child: DTaP, IPV, Influenza, MMR, VAR

What is the recommended subcutaneous injection site for each of the following? a. An infant younger than 12 months of age: b. A child that is 12 months of age or older

a. An infant younger than 12 months of age: anterior thigh b. A child that is 12 months of age or older: lateral part of the upper arm

What immunizations are included in the following a: DTap: b: MMR:

a. DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis b. MMR: measles, mumps and rubella

According to the NCVIA, what information must be recorded in the patient's medical record after a pediatric immunization has been administered?

the date of administration of the vaccine, the manufacturer and lot number of the vaccine, the signature and title of the health care provider who administered the vaccine and the name and address of the medical office where the vaccine was administered.