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The
unit clerk helps Carl and his family.
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Soon,
Carl's nurse arrives and helps him settle in his room. The unit
clerk takes care of all the paperwork and administrative details
for the unit. Each child is assigned a primary nurse who assesses
and plans the child's nursing care. |
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Kristie
meets her roommate.
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Most
children share rooms with other patients. On all pediatric floors,
a parent may stay overnight with the child. The room has a television
set and a telephone near every bed. There is also space to put clothes
and personal things. |
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The
doctor examines Alexander.
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On
each admission, patients receive a physical examination. |
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Lunchtime!
What are your favorite foods?
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A
dietitian meets with all patients. Sometimes, special diets may
be necessary. The child's individual nutritional needs and preferences
are taken into account. |
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Jim
and his family talk to their social worker.
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Clinical
Social workers help patients and their families learn about resources
that can help them with hospitalization. The social worker can also
help them cope with issues that arise related to their illness and
discharge planning.
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Time
for Carlos to have his blood drawn.
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It
only hurts for a short time. Afterwards, his nurse draws a smiling
face on the bandage. Blood draws may be needed often during the
child's care. Nobody likes "needle sticks," but the staff is specially
trained to draw blood quickly and with as little pain as possible. |
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In
the outpatient clinic, the nurse checks Marcy's temperature.
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Vital
signstemperature, blood pressure, respiration, and pulsemay
be taken often during the day. Other measurements including height
and weight may also be taken. |
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Kim
meets some friends in the playroom.
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Everyone
has something fun to do. Therapeutic recreation specialists help
children adjust to their hospitalization through play therapy, field
trips, crafts, sports, and other social activities. |
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Alice
has a CAT scan.
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It's
a picture of the inside of her body. X-rays and scans are part of
the diagnostic process to help doctors understand what is happening
inside a patient's body. All the tests are explained, and the patient
and family should feel free to ask any questions. |
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Tom
visits the Patients' Library.
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The
library has a special section for children's books. There are also
selections for adults as well as newspapers and magazines. |
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The
teacher helps Carrie with her schoolwork in the school or at the
bedside.
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Teachers
in the NIH Children's School instruct students in kindergarten through
12th grade. It is important for children to continue their education
while they are patients at the Clinical Center. |
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Mary
rides on a stretcher to go to her test.
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Her
parents come along, too. For certain tests, patients are transported
on stretchers. |
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Justin
can go anywhere in the hospital, even with his I.V.!
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Children
may need to have medicine and other fluids which can only be given
through a vein. The bottle of liquid is hung on a pole that can
be moved easily. |
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The
doctors and other staff visit Jennifer during rounds.
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During
rounds, the staff meets to discuss and plan further treatment. |
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A
volunteer visits Mark.
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Volunteers
assist in many ways to make patients and their families more comfortable. |
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Time
for medicine!
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Stacie
takes her pills. A nurse or doctor gives medicine. A clinical pharmacist
explains to patients how to take their medicine correctly. |
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Erica
and her family visit the chapel.
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A chapel on the 7th floor of the Clinical Center is open for patients and families of any faith. Chaplains conduct services in the chapel and make visits on the patient care units.
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Some
things you see in the hospital.
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There
are many items that are used in a patient's daily care: thermometer,
blood pressure cuff, syringe, tongue depressor, stethoscope, emesis
basin, reflex hammer, I.V. pole. |
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The
physical therapist works with Greta to help her walk better.
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Patients
may need to work with a physical therapist to restore or develop
mobility lost during illness or treatment. A physical therapist
may plan an exercise program for patients to follow when they return
home. Occupational therapists work with children to help them regain
mobility, lost function, and self care. |