Chapter 9 The Pediatric Examination

Toxoid

A toxin that has been treated by heat or chemicals to destroy its harmful properties administered to an individual to prevent an infectious disease.

What is the difference between a vaccine and a toxoid?

A vaccine is killed microorganisms and a toxoid is a poisonous substance produced by a bacterium.

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

Formula contains phenylalanine and colostrum (first breast milk) does not.

How is length measured in a child under the age of 2?

From the vertex of the head to heel of an infant.

List five guidelines for preventing childhood obesity.

Healthy diet, encourage active play, limit tv/video games, drink water, limit junk food.

What is the importance of measuring blood pressure in children?

Helps to identify children at risk for developing hypertension as an adult.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, what immunizations are recommended for 12 month old infant?

Hepatitis B, Haemophilus, influenza, varicella.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, what immunizations are recommended for 2 month old infant?

Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Diphtheria, Haemophilus influenza.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, what immunizations are recommended for 6 month old infant?

Hepatitis B, rotavirus, poliovirus, pneumococcal, Diphtheria.

What are the components of the well-child visit?

Physical exam, necessary immunizations, providing parents with information to prepare them for development.

The newborn screening test screens for which metabolic disease?

Screens for presence of certain metabolic and endocrine diseases.

vertex

The top of the head.

What is the purpose of the sick-child visit?

To evaluate patients condition, arrive at a diagnosis, prescribe treatment.

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

To evaluate the progress of the child.

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

To gain the trust of the patient so the child will cooperate during an exam or procedure.

What is the purpose of measuring head circumference?

To measure brain growth, screen for microcephaly to microcephaly.

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

To prevent contaminants from entering the urine specimen.

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

To screen for disease, diagnose pathogenic condition, evaluate effectiveness of therapy.

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

5/8 inch. to 1 inch.

Toddler

A child between 1 and 3 years old.

preschooler

A child from 3 to 6 years old.

School-aged child

A child from 6 to 12 years old

infant

A child from birth to 12 months old.

Pediatrician

A physician who specializes in the care and development of children and the diagnosis and treatment of children's diseases.

vaccine

A suspension of attenuated or killed microorganisms administered to an individual to prevent an infectious disease.

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

At 3 years old, annually.

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

The dorsogluteal muscle is not fully developed in a child and the site may come dangerously close to the sciatic nerve.

length

The measurement from the vertex of the head to the heel of the foot in a supine position.

immunization

The process of becoming immune or of rendering an individual immune through the use of a vaccine or toxoid.

What occurs if the blood pressure cuff is too large?

The reading will be falsely high.

What occurs if the blood pressure cuff is too small?

The reading will be falsely high.

immunity

The resistance of the body to the effects of a harmful agent such as a pathogenic microorganism or its toxins.

What is the usual schedule for well-child visits?

1 month after birth, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months, yearly

At what age should blood pressure be measured in children?

3 years old.

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

Age, height, gender.

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

Bladder of cuff should encircle 80-100% of the arm.

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

Cradle and upright positions.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, what immunizations are recommended for 5 year old child?

Diphtheria, poliovirus, influenza, varicella.

What problems are associated with childhood obesity?

High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, orthopedic problems, skin disorders, social, and psychological issues.

How is height measured in an older child?

In a standing position.

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

Information about the benefits and risks of childhood immunizations.

Why is the vastus lateralis muscle recommended as a good site for giving an intramuscular injection to an infant or you g child?

Located on the anterior surface of the midlateral thigh, away from major nerves and blood vessels, and it's large enough to accommodate the injected medication.

What is the primary use of growth charts?

Look at the child's growth pattern.

What are the symptoms of phenylketonuria (PKU) if left untreated?

Mental retardation, tremors, poor muscle coordination, and other abnormalities.

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

Name and publication date of each VIS provided to the patient, date and VIS was given to the parent, date of administration of vaccine, manufacturer and lot number of vaccine, signature/title of health care provider administered, name and address of medical office where vaccine was administered.

What is the primary cause of childhood obesity?

Overeating and inadequate exercise.

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

Temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, height/weight measurements, visual acuity, assist with physical exam.

Pediatrics

The branch of medicine that deals with the care and development of children and the diagnosis and treatment of children's diseases.