Pediatric nursing
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This study sought to determine parents' beliefs about children and gun safety. A survey was sent to 230 parents of elementary age children addressing their beliefs about firearm storage, firearm safety training for children, and whether or not their child would handle a gun. Findings are based on the 82 returned surveys. ⋯ However, of those reporting a firearm in the home, 85% did not practice safe gun storage despite reporting they believed it was important. These findings are supported by other studies that have found that parents have unrealistic perceptions about how their child will respond when a firearm is encountered. The only predictor of parents' incorrect perceptions about firearm safety training was the item "children will be safe if taught." This parental misperception provides further evidence that parents have unrealistic attitudes about children and guns.
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A critical part of every encounter between a pediatric nurse and a patient is obtaining accurate patient information. Unique obstacles are encountered when patients and their families have little or no understanding of the English language. Federal and state laws require health care systems that receive governmental funds to provide full language access to services. ⋯ When inappropriate interpreter services are used, such as when children in the family or other family members act as interpreters, concerns about accuracy, confidentiality, cultural congruency, and other issues may arise. The purpose of this article is to: (a) explore principles related to the use of medical interpreters, (b) examine different models of interpreter services, and (c) identify available resources to assist providers in accessing interpreter services (e.g., books, online resources, articles, and videos). The case study format will be used to illustrate key points.
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Review Case Reports
Providing pediatric palliative care through a pediatric supportive care team.
We expect children to live to adulthood; however, children do die. Some die from diseases they are born with, others from accidents or illnesses. The devastating effects associated with the death of a child can be lessened by providing palliative, hospice, and bereavement care. ⋯ Utilizing established staff and services, this group began to provide care for children with potentially life limiting illnesses in a coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach. The positive outcomes of this approach include an overall increase in patient and family satisfaction with care, a decrease in the number of emergency room visits and inpatient hospital stays, and an increase in patient and family informed decision making and goal setting. Positive outcomes for the staff include support in caring for children with life limiting illnesses and an increase in satisfaction with the care they provide.
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Preterm infants receive repeated heelsticks over their hospitalization, yet contradictions exist regarding the influence of prior heelsticks, prior painful procedures, and severity of illness on assessment of the pain responses. ⋯ Nurses' use of developmental care and the QuickHeel device may result in lower pain scores. Higher severity of illness and number of prior heelsticks may lower pain scores.
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The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the effects of a PICU hospitalization on critically ill school- age children. Few studies have examined the impact of the PICU experience on children themselves. A convenience sample was recruited of 21 developmentally appropriate children who were aged 7-12 years and had never been hospitalized. ⋯ Children's repertoire of coping strategies may be limited by the PICU, especially while intubated. Nurses should never underestimate the effect their behavior and responsiveness has on children. Feasible coping strategies and use of therapeutic play for PICU children should be explored further.