Chapter 44: Pediatric Nursing Procedures & Interventions

Pediatric Nursing Procedures & Interventions guide to pediatric nursing interventions examines the specialized skills and ethical considerations necessary for treating children and their families within the Canadian healthcare system. A significant portion of the material is dedicated to the legal and ethical nuances of informed consent, emphasizing that in most of Canada, a minor’s capacity to understand their treatment often takes precedence over a specific chronological age, with the notable exception of Quebec’s 14-year requirement. The text details the importance of psychological preparation, advocating for the use of therapeutic play, child life specialists, and sensory-procedural information to mitigate anxiety and foster a sense of mastery in young patients facing surgery or invasive tests. Clinical safety is addressed through environmental vigilance, rigorous fall prevention protocols, and the application of infection control measures, including routine practices and additional precautions for airborne, droplet, or contact-based transmissions. The chapter outlines essential hygiene and basic care routines, such as specialized skin assessments using the Braden QD Scale and managing febrile states, where it distinguishes between true fever and hyperthermia. Medication administration is treated with high precision, focusing on weight-based and body surface area calculations to ensure safety, while detailing various routes such as oral, intramuscular, and intravenous delivery. Complex nursing responsibilities are explored through the management of parenteral fluid therapy, central venous access devices, and alternative feeding methods like gastrostomy tubes and total parenteral nutrition. Furthermore, the summary covers critical respiratory interventions, including oxygen therapy, pulse oximetry, tracheostomy care, and mechanical ventilation, alongside procedures related to elimination such as isotonic enemas and the psychosocial support required for pediatric ostomy care. By integrating developmental theory with clinical practice, this overview provides nursing students with a robust framework for delivering safe, family-centred, and evidence-informed pediatric care.