1. Growth and development: Pediatric patients are constantly growing and developing, which makes their physiology significantly different from adults. For example, their bone growth plates are still open, making them more susceptible to certain fractures like Salter-Harris fractures.
2. Metabolic rate: Children have a higher metabolic rate compared to adults, which affects their medication dosages and nutritional requirements. For instance, they may require higher doses of certain medications per kilogram of body weight due to their faster metabolism.
3. Immature organ systems: The organs of pediatric patients are not fully developed, making them more vulnerable to certain diseases and requiring different treatment approaches. For instance, the liver and kidneys of infants and young children have reduced capacity to metabolize and excrete medications, increasing the risk of drug toxicity.
4. Immune system function: Immune responses in pediatric patients are still developing, making them more prone to infections and certain diseases. For example, infants have maternal antibodies that gradually wane, leaving them susceptible to certain infections until their own immune system fully matures.
5. Fluid balance: Children have unique fluid and electrolyte requirements due to their higher body surface area-to-mass ratio. For instance, they are more prone to dehydration due to increased fluid losses from fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea.
6. Cognitive and emotional development: Unlike adults, pediatric patients may have different cognitive and emotional abilities, which affect their ability to understand and cope with their illnesses. For example, young children may have difficulty expressing their symptoms accurately, requiring healthcare providers to rely on alternative assessment methods and strategies.
List at least six reasons pediatric patients should not be considered “small adults.” Give examples from your knowledge of pediatric physiology.
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