Pediatric Safety and Injury Prevention for the NCLEX

Infants (0-12 months)

• Leading cause of death: suffocation
• Back to sleep (supine), firm mattress, no loose bedding
• Car seat: rear-facing until at least age 2 or max height/weight
• Never leave unattended on elevated surfaces
• No small objects, balloons, or coins (choking hazards)

Toddlers (1-3 years)

• Leading cause of death: drowning and motor vehicle accidents
• Pool fencing, constant supervision near water
• Poison prevention: locks on cabinets, poison control number visible
• Rear-facing car seat as long as possible, then forward-facing with harness

Preschoolers (3-6 years)

• Burns, drowning, motor vehicle accidents
• Teach fire safety, stranger awareness
• Helmet for riding bicycles, tricycles
• Booster seat until seat belt fits properly (~4'9")

School-Age (6-12 years)

• Sports injuries, bicycle accidents
• Helmet use, sports safety equipment
• Water safety, fire escape plan
• Internet safety education

Adolescents

• Motor vehicle accidents (#1 cause of death)
• Seat belt use, no texting while driving
• Substance abuse prevention
• Gun safety, mental health awareness

Review our Pediatric Nursing cheat sheet and Health Promotion study guide.