Perioperative care of the pediatric trauma patient.

Children have specific emotional and physiological needs that are intensified when they sustain injuries that require surgery. Care of pediatric trauma patients includes the physiological considerations of airway management, hemodynamic stability, hypothermia, and physical size. Psychological considerations include enhancing coping skills, caring for children according to their developmental levels, and caring for family members. The perioperative nurse must be familiar with these pediatric trauma nursing principles to effectively meet the needs of children and their family members during times of trauma crisis.