Development stages Infancy: Birth to age 1

Development patterns This chart shows the patterns of development and their progression and gives examples of each. Pattern Path of progression Examples Cephalocaudal From head to toe Head control preceding…

Cultural considerations in patient care As a health care professional, you’ll interact with a diverse, multicultural patient population. Each culture has its own unique set of beliefs about health and…

Coma scale (pediatric) To quickly assess a child’s level of consciousness and to uncover baseline changes, use the pediatric coma scale. This assessment tool grades consciousness in relation to eye…

Child abuse signals Here are some signs associated with specific types of child abuse and neglect. These types of abuse are typically found in combination rather than alone. Physical abuse…

Child abuse awareness If you suspect a child is being harmed, contact your local child protective services or the police. Contact the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD) to…

Upper and lower GI Purpose Upper GI To detect hiatal hernia, diverticula, and varices To aid in the diagnosis of strictures, ulcers, tumors, regional enteritis, and malabsorption syndrome To detect…

Ultrasonography Purpose To measure organ size and evaluate structure To detect foreign bodies and differentiate between a cyst and solid tumor To monitor tissue response to radiation or chemotherapy Patient…

Skin testing, delayed-type hypersensitivity Purpose To assess for exposure to or activation of certain diseases, most commonly tuberculosis (TB) To assess the status of a child’s immune system during illness…