Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
ADMISSION OF AN AMBULANT CHILD
This is the process of admitting a child who can walk independently into a healthcare facility.
Purpose
- Establish therapeutic relationship with child and family
- Collect comprehensive health information
- Orient child and family to the unit
- Initiate appropriate care plan
- Reduce anxiety related to hospitalization
Indications
- Child requiring hospital admission who is able to walk
Equipment
- Admission forms and records
- Vital signs equipment (thermometer, BP cuff, stethoscope)
- Weighing scale
- Height measuring device
- Identification bands
- Orientation materials
Preparation
- Prepare admission room
- Ensure bed and equipment are ready
- Review referral information if available
Procedure steps
- Greet child and family warmly
- Introduce self and staff members
- Verify admission orders
- Complete admission documentation
- Attach identification band
- Measure and record vital signs
- Obtain weight and height
- Conduct health history interview
- Perform physical assessment
- Orient child and family to room and unit
- Explain routines and regulations
- Discuss visiting hours and meal times
- Address immediate concerns
- Notify physician of admission
Precautions
- Verify child's identity using two identifiers
- Maintain privacy during assessment
- Use age-appropriate communication
- Screen for infectious diseases
Aftercare
- Ensure child is comfortable
- Verify call bell is within reach
- Introduce to roommate if applicable
- Allow time for settling in
Nursing considerations
- Consider developmental stage in communication
- Assess family dynamics and support
- Identify cultural considerations
- Screen for special needs
Patient education
- Explain hospital routines
- Discuss what to expect during stay
- Encourage questions from child and family
- Provide information about facilities
Documentation
- Complete admission assessment form
- Record vital signs and measurements
- Document health history
- Note orientation provided
- Record any valuables secured
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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