Assignment (Doc) | Pediatric Study

Running head: Paediatric case study
Pediatric case study
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Authors note:

PEDIATRIC CASE STUDY1
Introduction
Pneumonia is an infectious disease that can be caused by infection. Children aged less
than 3 years are more prone to infection as they have weak immune system. Mia is a toddler
aged 18 months old who is suffering from pneumonia secondary to measles. The common
cause of this infection caused to Mia is a variety of germs like microbes or virus. Common
symptoms include fever and running nose. Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common
bacterial pathogen. Immune compromised people are more prone to respiratory infections and
children have low immunity (Archambault‐Grenier et al, 2018). Pneumonia can also cause
the measles virus alone. Mia attended a cultural with his mother and after the following ten
days, she showed symptoms like red marks in face and running nose. These symptoms
suggest that the Pneumonia is caused by bacteria.
Pneumonia concerning the scenario
Mia must have got the infection from the cultural activity that she attended with her
mother (Prentice et al, 2016). The viruses, in general, break down into the body's natural
defense system to invade and multiply within the lungs. The air sac is then filled with
bacteria that produce in the alveoli. Due to the infection and inhalation of a foreign particle,
the lung tissue is inflamed due to infection. Persons with impaired immunity are more prone
to attack and weakening of lungs. Based on the symptoms shown by it can be said that Mia
had bacterial pneumonia. The symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, cough, and
release of fluid. Cough and fever are early signs that must be given serious consideration.
Common diagnostic tests like chest X-Ray is crucial to check for inflammation into
the lungs. Chest X-Rays gives insight into inflammation of the lungs but not about the type of
virus or bacteria. To determine the type or cause of the pneumonia blood tests are suitable
(Bloomer et al, 2016). Blood tests such as complete blood count help to see if the immune

PEDIATRIC CASE STUDY2
system is fighting against the infection. Physical examination is also crucial for detecting
important signs like temperature can be assessed. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for
pneumonia to fight against the bacteria. Cough syrup is commonly prescribed to treat the
cough in the lungs. Oxygen therapy is given for uneasiness or difficulty in breathing.
Effects of Mia’s admission into ICU
Mia is an 18-year-old toddler and her admission into the critical care unit would be a
difficult situation for her family. Someone admitted to the critical care unit is a serious
situation where someone is critically ill and needs close monitoring. The stay in ICU for Mia
without her mother would be tougher as a child of her age is always in the company of their
mothers. The care and support are especially missing for Mia as her mother is also admitted
to the hospital due to her delivery. The family has a critical situation where they are unable to
provide adequate support to Mia (Bower et al, 2018). Social factors are not in favor of the
family and are making them very tense. Mia's admission into the critical care unit would
make the family tenser and they may face difficulty in giving attention to the newborn. In this
situation, Mia needs more care and support from her family members.
Holistically Mia’s admission in ICU would emotionally weaken them and disturb
them. Mia requires a guardian like her grandmother or her father who may occasionally
support her so that she does not feel lonely. It would be difficult for her family members to
admit the fact that Mia is critically ill and would need more time for complete recovery
(O'Leary, Nash & Lewis, 2016). There will be increased traumatic stress in the family when
they will be known about Mia’s condition. Mia is a toddler and would be difficult for her to
understand the consequences and this may affect her healing period. In the case of older
patients or children, there may be counseling given for the patients but in case of Mia, it is
not possible as she has no mature senses (Feo et al, 2017). No one is allowed to stay in ICU