Comparing two methods to obtain blood specimens from pediatric central venous catheters.

The purpose of this study was to test agreement in blood values obtained from a discard method and a push-pull method in samples from central venous catheters in pediatric patients. The discard method causes blood loss beyond what is necessary for blood testing and increases potential for infection each time the central venous catheter is entered. Twenty-eight children ranging in age from 6 months to 12 years were enrolled in the study.

Pediatric temperature measurement and child/parent/nurse preference using three temperature measurement instruments.

This study compared the tympanic thermometer with the electronic and chemical dot thermometers used at the axillary site and evaluated child, parent, and nurse preferences for method of temperature measurement. The child's (n = 146) temperature was measured using each of the three methods. Each child, parent, and nurse was asked to select a preference for device and site.

The effects of infant feeding decisions on infant growth.

Issues And Purpose: To determine the effects of feeding decisions on infant growth in the first 6 months of life.

Design And Methods: Growth measurements were collected twice during the first 6 months of infancy as part of a larger investigation of infant feeding practices (N = 52).

Results: Infants who received solid foods before the age of 4 to 6 months weighed less than those who received solid foods after 4 to 6 months.