PATIENT CARE
Job Aid
Developed:
12/2001
Developed by:
Women Children CNS & Educator
Revised: 02/08
Job aid #
Revised:
XIV-A-65
Approved by CPC 2/08
Task/Process
Pediatric/Adolescent Guide for Inpatient Admissions/Reassessment
Purpose:
To inform staff of guidelines for pediatric/adolescent admissions & reassessment
Frequency:
When admitting/reassessing patients less than 18 years of age
*Exception to this will be the female patient admitted with an obstetric diagnosis relating to pregnancy
and patients admitted to the nursery
Materials:

Pediatric/Adolescent forms, Age specific supplies
ADMISSION HISTORY/DATA :

Any RN may complete this information (HED- Admission Date with History Tab).

The RN, LPN, PCT assigned to care for the Peds/Adolescent patient should assist with data collection to include
admission vital signs, medication administration (RN, LPN) and initiation of orders.
PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT:

Selected RN educated and validated (skills check sheet) on management of the Peds/Adolescent patient should
complete the initial pediatric physical assessment.
PLAN OF CARE:

The plan of care should be initiated by the RN educated and validated on management of the Peds/Adolescent
completing the physical assessment. It may be reviewed and updated daily by the RN caring for the patient.
REASSESSMENT :

Pediatric patient (12 yrs old and under*): Selected RNs as listed above should reassess the Peds patient (12 and
under) and review the plan for care every 24hours.

Adolescent (13 -17 yrs old*): Any assigned RN may reassess the patient and review the plan of care
DOCUMENTATION:

Admission assessment documentation should be completed on Pediatric/Adolescent Admission & Discharge
Planning Assessment, pediatric clinical record, and Pediatric/Adolescent Pathways and/or electronic medical
record.

Documentation should be age specific. The Peds A&I tab should be used in HED along with any paper forms
required. The ICU A&I and the Med-Surg A&I tabs may be used in addition to the Peds A&I tab.

A physical assessment should be documented every 4 hours.
IMPORTANT CARE NOTES
 Obtain Pediatric Emergency Drug Calculation Sheet From Micromedex
 Intravenous Therapy- IV Sites on Pediatric patients should be monitored hourly with documentation every 2 hours. A short extension
tube and a filter should be adding to the tubing.
 Pulse Oximetry: Probe sites should be changed a minimum of once every 8 hours for children over age one.
 Measure Head circumference if patient is less than 18 months old.
 Patient safety sheet-explain the patient safety information sheet rules -insure a copy of the form is mounted in the room
 Crib Release: Children under 4 years of age will be placed in a crib with a safety hood, unless traction is needed. If an Adult bed is
requested and it is not contraindicated the Parent/Guardian should sign a crib release form.
 Obtain Height/length on all admissions-measure if unable to stand. Weight should be assessed on admission and recorded in kgs
and lbs. Daily weights are recommended.
 Abnormal temp should be reassessed at a minimum every 2 hours until a febrile.
 Use of a cooling or warming device – If a cooling/warming device is used, then the device must have a temperature probe that is
used as the device cools or warms the patient.
 A nurse validated in Pediatric patient management should do the initial pediatric patient physical assessment. If there is
not a nurse available at the time of admission on that unit, then consult another nurse who has the competency. Notify
2W (Pediatrics) or another unit (MSICU, 3W) which has validated staff. To facilitate timely assessments please notify
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another unit immediately upon arrival to floor or of a potential admission. Data collection should be started by the
admitting unit (vital signs, admission history, orders etc.)
 The RN coordinating the pediatric patient’s care should consult a Pediatric Nurse or RN validated in Pediatric
assessment if any questions/concerns arise regarding the care or reassessment.
 School aged children’s educational needs should be assessed on admission. If child is anticipated to be in the hospital more than 10
days or is approaching the 10 day time period, Social Services should be contacted so that the child’s school system can be
contacted. (See PC Policy # XIII –A- 5 Neonate, Child, and Adolescent care including Educational Services Access).
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