This course is divided into three parts which may be taken as a whole for a total of 12 CEUs, or each part may be taken separately. Each section includes objectives, exam and an evaluation which must be completed to obtain your Certificate of Completion.

Part I AGE SPECIFIC CRITERIA: PEDIATRICS
Course number: 210812A 2 CEUs

Objectives
By completion of this section of the course, you will be able to recognize the following:

1. Normal Development
2. General behavior associated with that developmental stage.
3. Effective communication techniques associated with each developmental stage.
4. Safety and health concerns associated with each developmental stage.
5. Techniques that will help you work effectively with each age group and developmental stage.
6. Identify effective assessment techniques for pediatric patients based on psychosocial development.
7. Compare assessment findings provided in a Pediatric Case Study with normal data.
8. Relate major milestones in human development to the age group in which these milestones commonly appear.

Introduction
Each patient is an individual. However, developmental similarities can be recognized and used to assist us in caring for these patients at a specific time in their growth and development. Growth occurs proximodistally from the center out and development refers to the acquisition of skills and abilities that take place throughout life. As we grow and mature, most of us will pass through similar growth and developmental stages.

The best way to care for patients will differ as people pass through the different growth and development stages. The way you care for an infant will differ from your care for and communication with children, teenagers adults and the geriatric population.

Part II Pediatric Asthma
Course Number: 210812B 4 CEUs

Objectives:
Upon completion of part II, you will be able to:

1. List the common clinical parameters for determining perfusion in the pediatric patient.
2. Identify a systematic approach for obtaining blood and intravenous access.
3. Describe the therapeutic approach for treating moderate to severe croup.
4. Identify some of the common non-respiratory causes of grunting respirations.
5. Illustrate a quick mnemonic used for a differential of the critically ill pediatric patient.
6. Describe the management of the child with status seizures and no intravenous access.
7. List the factors used in identification of the age of bruises in the pediatric patient.
8. Define crucial physical examination criteria for moderate to severe pediatric asthma.
9. State the function of pulmonary testing in acute pediatric asthma.
10. Elucidate the appropriate clinical decision making in caring for the crashing pediatric asthma patient.

A Practical Approach to Chronic Asthma Management
Most children with asthma can lead healthy, active lives. Learn how self-monitoring, avoiding triggers, and concentrating on long-term control can work for your patients.

The recent release of updated guidelines on the diagnosis and management of asthma makes this an appropriate time to take a fresh look at this chronic lung disease. The new guidelines underscore the role of inflammation in asthma and emphasize the suppression of inflammation as a therapeutic goal. They also revise the asthma severity classifications used to choose a regimen, with corresponding changes in the recommended stepwise therapy.

Asthma manifests itself in a range of symptoms that may include wheeze, cough, shortness of breath, reduced expiratory flow, exercise intolerance, and respiratory distress. Recognizable triggers such as allergens or infections usually precipitate symptoms. Even before symptoms become apparent, however, the airways become inflamed and mucus production increases. These changes combine to limit airflow to and from the alveoli. For that reason, managing inflammation and its symptoms, not just reducing bronchospasm or suppressing coughs, is the foundation of effective asthma management.

Treatment begins with minimizing exposure to triggers and preventive therapy such as influenza vaccine. Frequent monitoring of symptoms is essential to good control. Children with persistent moderate or severe asthma need daily monitoring with a symptom diary and, for children who are old enough, daily peak flow readings. With proper management, most children with chronic asthma can sleep comfortably, grow to their full potential, and function as well as their unaffected peers.

Part III High-Risk Pediatric Problems
Course Number: 210912C 6 CEUs

Objectives
This last section of the Pediatric Competency trilogy, concentrates on issues and high risk problems in infants and children, including meningitis, respiratory diseases, otitis media, lead poisoning, and child abuse. After completing the section of this course, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the morbidity, mortality, incidence, and prevalence of pneumococcal meningitis in two- to five-year olds.
2. Identify risk factors for development of pneumococcal meningitis in two- to five-year olds.
3. Explain the problem of antibiotic resistance as it relates to pneumococcal meningitis.
4. Describe the signs and symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.
5. Discuss the possible complications of an upper respiratory infection.
6. Describe bronchiolitis in children and list usual causes.
7. Discuss the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis.
8. Describe ways to perform the AOM-focused history and physical examination.
9. Differentiate mild from severe AOM.
10. Develop an appropriate treatment plan.
11. List the common sources of lead toxicity in children.
12. State the common clinical manifestations of lead toxicity.
13. Define current recommendations for removing lead from the child¹s environment.
14. Identify new guidelines for children¹s immunization, new vaccines and controversies surrounding immunization.
15. Describe indications and contraindications to immunizing children.
16. Understand the factors that contribute to or heighten a family¹s risk of child abuse and neglect.