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Abstract This article discusses the role of the children's nurse in the administration of medicines to children. What is meant by the phrase 'off label' is explained, along with the [...]

Abstract Caring for and managing an infant or a child with a chest drain may cause the children's nurse some anxiety because, although the management is relatively simple, there is [...]

Asthma is a chronic and acute condition that causes inflammation of the airways in response to allergens such as viral infections and pollen. This article reviews the developmental anatomy and physiology of the respiratory tract, and considers asthma diagnosis, treatment and management. This article is intended for the student or the junior registered nurse, however the experienced mentor may find it useful as a framework to help them support the learning needs of mentees. Keywords Anatomy, asthma management, embryology, inhaler therapy, nebulisers, respiratory system and disorders, spacer devices, ASTHMA IS A leading chronic disease among children in most industrialised countries (Bacharier et al 2008). It is a condition that is linked to high morbidity and a risk of [...]

Abstract Recruiting and retaining qualified nurses for children's intensive care units is becoming more difficult because of falling numbers of recruits into the child branch and inadequate educational planning and [...]

Abstract Children's nurses are vocationally committed to promoting the health of children, relieving their suffering, enhancing their development, helping them to achieve a sense of worth and a confidence in [...]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of innate and acquired immunity and the different types of immune response • To reflect on the importance of immunisations and how to explain it to parents • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) This article, the 14th in a series on the biological basis of child health, focuses on the immune system. It provides an overview of pathogens to which the human body is susceptible, some of the milestones in the embryological development of the immune system, and some of the mechanisms of innate and acquired immunity. The article explains the importance of immunisations and provides examples of immune system dysfunctions and autoimmune conditions that children may experience. It is essential that children's nurses have an understanding of how the immune system develops, how it is structured and how it functions, since such knowledge will be relevant in the care of a range of conditions where nurses need to explain infection, inflammation and immune processes to children and parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim: The time taken for research findings to enter clinical practice can be very lengthy. A contributing factor is the time lag between the research literature identifying the issue, [...]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your understanding of the central nervous system, its embryological development, anatomical features and pathophysiology • To strengthen your knowledge of the aspects of neurological assessment in infants and children • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) This article is the fourth in a series on the biological basis of child health. It explains the embryological development of the nervous system and describes some of the anatomical and physiological features of the central nervous system, which is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. It also outlines the principles of neurological assessment in infants and children, before detailing the presentation and management of three conditions that can affect the central nervous system in this patient population – seizures, meningitis and raised intracranial pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise challenging situations that children's nurses may encounter when there is conflict between the family of the critically ill child or young person in their care and the wider professional team • To increase your knowledge of strategies for de-escalating conflict and tensions and maintaining your safety at work • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) This article considers some of the challenging situations that children's nurses may encounter when there are tensions and disagreements between the family of the child or young person in their care and the wider professional team. The focus is on disagreements about what some might consider futile critical care. It aims to equip children's nurses with strategies for dealing with conflict and tensions, and support them to be proactive in identifying situations that might need de-escalation. The options available to support the healthcare team and therefore avoid litigation are explored, while avenues of support available to nursing staff are considered. Suggestions and examples of effective and skilful communication with families receiving challenging news are provided. The legal position designed to safeguard children's nurses is reviewed and practical strategies are offered to support nurses to protect themselves from physical violence if the situation escalates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AUTH Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the stages of prenatal development • To increase your awareness of the types, causes and detection of congenital anomalies • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) This article is the second in a series called the biological basis of child health. It considers the period of development from fertilisation to birth, outlining the three stages of prenatal development – the germinal, embryonic and fetal stages. The article details how tissues and organs typically develop at each stage, and explains how and when deviations in development and congenital anomalies are likely to occur. It also describes some of the common congenital anomalies, their potential effects and their detection before or after birth. Information is also provided about the delivery of full-term infants, including the stages of labour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]