Clinical Assessment and Monitoring in Children

Assessment and monitoring are fundamental aspects of the care ofthe acutely ill child, especially in high dependency areas andcritical care units. Clinical Assessment and Monitoring in Childrenis a practical, introductory guide which provides detailedinformation on assessment and monitoring techniques, includingphysical assessment, physiological monitoring and an appraisal ofadditional assessment tools to enable practitioners to developeffective skills.

The book adopts a physical systems approach, discusses assessmentstrategies and tools (starting with the least invasive and movingto the more complex) and examines how to analyse and apply theinformation to provide ongoing care. Each chapter explores physicalassessment and examination whilst maintaining the focus on thechild and the family.

Clinical Assessment and Monitoring in Children assumes no priorknowledge, and provides the knowledge and skills needed to underpindecision–making and provide effective evidence–based care. This isan invaluable resource for all health care practitioners involvedin caring for children.

Key Features:

∗ Explores assessment and monitoring of children from 0 – 16years
∗ Draws upon National Service Frameworks and clinical practiceguidelines
∗ Adopts a system by system approach
∗ Provides knowledge and skills needed to underpin decision–makingand provide effective evidence–based care
∗ Includes hints on trouble–shooting and gaining the child andfamily′s co–operation
∗ Includes case studies and suggested further reading