Clinical Assessment and Monitoring in Children

Assessment and monitoring are fundamental aspects of the care of the acutely ill child, especially in high dependency areas and critical care units. Clinical Assessment and Monitoring in Children is a practical, introductory guide which provides detailed information on assessment and monitoring techniques, including physical assessment, physiological monitoring and an appraisal of additional assessment tools to enable practitioners to develop effective skills. The book adopts a physical systems approach, discusses assessment strategies and tools (starting with the least invasive and moving to the more complex) and examines how to analyse and apply the information to provide ongoing care. Each chapter explores physical assessment and examination whilst maintaining the focus on the child and the family. Clinical Assessment and Monitoring in Children assumes no prior knowledge, and provides the knowledge and skills needed to underpin decision-making and provide effective evidence-based care. This is an invaluable resource for all health care practitioners involved in caring for children. Key Features: • Explores assessment and monitoring of children from 0 – 16 years • Draws upon National Service Frameworks and clinical practice guidelines • Adopts a system by system approach • Provides knowledge and skills needed to underpin decision-making and provide effective evidence-based care • Includes hints on trouble-shooting and gaining the child and family’s co-operation • Includes case studies and suggested further reading