Pediatric

Definition

Pediatric refers to the branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. It encompasses a range of practices including pharmacology, immunizations, and treatments for various disorders.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pediatric patients often require different dosages and formulations of medications compared to adults due to their developing bodies.
2. Vaccines are a critical component of pediatric care to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.
3. The immune system in children is not fully developed, making them more susceptible to infections and requiring special considerations in treatment.
4. Growth hormones may be used in pediatrics to address certain growth disorders, while suppressants might be needed for conditions like gigantism.
5. Urinary anti-infectives need careful dosing and monitoring in pediatric patients due to their unique pharmacokinetics.

Review Questions

• Why do pediatric patients often require different medication dosages than adults?
• What role do vaccines play in pediatric care?
• How does the development stage of the immune system affect pediatric treatment?

Related terms

Pharmacokinetics: The study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body.

Immunization: The process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccination.

Growth Hormone: A hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration.