Journal of pediatric nursing
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Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) produces symptoms of autonomic instability and muscle over-activity; however, the majority of nursing interventions used in clinical practice are anecdotal and not evidenced based. ⋯ While tactile interventions were documented most frequently, there was not a uniform approach to interventions. The SMT can be useful to provide a framework that organizes and tests clinical care and management of PSH strategies.
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Parents of children in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are subjected to significant psychological stress. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of, and factors associated with anxiety, depressive symptoms and decisional conflict in parents of children hospitalized in the PICU. The study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design to investigate the psychological status of 118 parents of 91 children (74 mothers and 44 fathers) admitted to the PICU, using measures of anxiety (STAI), depression (CES-D), and decisional conflict (DCS). ⋯ Given evidence that parents of children admitted to the PICU are at risk for developing post-traumatic stress symptoms, future studies should examine the effects of hospitalization on long-term parental psychological outcomes. Screening for those at risk and implementing interventions to promote coping strategies and reduce decisional conflict may be beneficial. Pediatric nurses have a critical role in assessing parents' psychological distress and promoting family health during a child's hospitalization.
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To describe the perceptions of inpatient pediatric hospitalist physicians (HPs), registered nurses (RNs), and care assistants (CAs) at a tertiary pediatric hospital regarding caring for children with eating disorders (EDs) who are hospitalized for medical stabilization. ⋯ Providing a standardized order set, expert consult team, and ongoing staff training can strengthen the therapeutic hospital environment for adolescents with EDs. Pediatric hospitals can provide excellent care for children with EDs while supporting their staff to provide a therapeutic environment.
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The Pasero Opioid-induced Sedation Scale (POSS) is a valid, reliable tool used to assess sedation when administering opioid medications to manage pain. The POSS is endorsed by The Joint Commission and the American Society for Pain Management Nursing to help prevent adverse opioid-related respiratory events. Although the POSS is used to assess sedation in pediatric patients at some hospitals, prior to this study, it was not formally evaluated in the pediatric population. ⋯ The nurses also noted using the POSS provided standardized communication among staff regarding patients' levels of sedation. No adverse effects, concerns, or objections were reported. Coincidentally, while it was not part of the study, frequency of documentation of assessment of pain also improved with implementation of the POSS.
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Enteral feeding tubes are used in pediatric patients to deliver nutrition, fluids or medications. The literature related to short-term feeding tube (nasogastric [NG], hereafter known as NGT, or orogastric [OGT],) use in pediatric homecare patients is sparse. ⋯ Specifically, we sought to better understand how the tubes are placed and the method(s) used for tube placement verification. Two surveys were distributed: one to parents and one to homecare providers who have direct patient contact.