title: Children in accident and emergency.
abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the many issues surrounding the care of children within Accident and Emergency (A & E) departments. A review of relevant literature reveals the principles that are pertinent to the care of the child in hospital and specifically within an A & E department. Theories of child development are introduced and discussed in relation to nursing care of children. The reflective cycle is used to examine two critical incidents. The analysis of these events allows further scrutiny of the ideas relating to the care of children and illustrates the way in which such ideals can be used to guide practice. The authors concludes that a sound knowledge of the developmental process of the child, and an understanding of the particular issues relevant to the care of the child within the accident and emergency environment can ensure optimum care for each child and their family.
authors.affiliation: A & E Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dolan
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016529:Emergency Nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009736:Nursing Process; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010371:Pediatric Nursing