Surgery and the Pediatric Patient

This course will introduce the pediatric patient and differentiate between pediatric age groups. Attendees will be able to identify the main focus of surgery pertaining to the pediatric surgical patient, anatomical and psychological differences between adult and pediatric surgical patients; identify and discuss pediatric fears related to surgery; and identify critical monitoring parameters; and types of shock and treatment in relation to pediatric patients, including antibiotic medications which should not be used in pediatric patients. Attendees will also be able to identify metabolic and nutritional differences presented by the pediatric surgical patient; heat loss in the pediatric surgical patient; trauma, abuse, and injuries that may result in surgical intervention; anesthesia issues related to pediatric patients; categories of surgery common to the pediatric patient; intraoperative considerations; and safety issues. Material is presented in text with liberal use of graphics in order to be of value to persons of different learning styles.

This course expires on June 30, 2010.

The approval number for this course is: #03908.

• Identify five pediatric age groups, as well as one behaviors, anatomical difference, and care issue for each group, as relate to surgery
• Identify two pediatric challenges for O.R. team
• Identify the main focus of the O.R. team for pediatric surgery
• Identify five anatomical-physiological areas of difference between pediatric and adult populations and give example of a difference for each area

This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the Tennessee Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.