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Concept MapNLE · Paediatric Nursing

NLE Paediatric Nursing — Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI)Concept Map

How the ideas in Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI) fit together, mapped out for NLE Paediatric Nursing.

Super Tutor's review for Midwife Licensure Exam (as “Infant & Child Health (Growth, Development & IMCI)”) uses these same chapters, so they live here in the NLE section.

Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI) - Concept Map

Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI)

Related concepts

Common Childhood Communicable Diseases

Sub concepts

Measles (Rubeola)

Hallmark

Koplik spots before rash, 3 C's, cephalocaudal rash

Management

Supportive care, Vitamin A supplementation, airborne precautions

Complication

Pneumonia (most common cause of death)

Transmission

Airborne

Mumps (Parotitis)

Hallmark

Painful parotid gland swelling

Management

Analgesics, soft bland diet, droplet precautions

Complication

Orchitis, meningitis, deafness

Transmission

Droplet

Varicella (Chickenpox)

Hallmark

Pruritic vesicular rash in crops, dewdrops on rose petal appearance

Management

Calamine lotion, antihistamines, NO aspirin (Reye's syndrome risk), acyclovir for high-risk

Complication

Secondary infection from scratching

Transmission

Airborne and contact

Rubella (German Measles)

Hallmark

Pink maculopapular rash, postauricular/occipital lymphadenopathy

Management

Supportive care, prevent with MMR, isolate from pregnant women

Complication

Congenital rubella syndrome in pregnancy

Transmission

Droplet

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Hallmark

Paroxysmal cough with inspiratory whoop, post-tussive vomiting

Management

Macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, azithromycin), gentle suctioning, droplet precautions

Complication

Apnea in infants, pneumonia, seizures

Transmission

Droplet

Diphtheria

Hallmark

Greyish-white pseudomembrane on tonsils/pharynx, bull neck

Management

Diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotics, do NOT remove membrane, droplet precautions

Complication

Airway obstruction, myocarditis, neuritis

Transmission

Droplet

Dengue

Hallmark

High fever, retro-orbital pain, positive tourniquet test

Management

Supportive fluids (priority), monitor platelets/hematocrit, NO aspirin/NSAIDs, paracetamol for fever

Complication

Dengue shock syndrome, plasma leakage, bleeding

Transmission

Vector (Aedes aegypti mosquito - day-biter)

Diarrhoeal Disease

Hallmark

Loose stools, dehydration risk

Management

ORS + Zinc (cornerstone), fluid management by Plan A/B/C, continue feeding/breastfeeding

Complication

Severe dehydration, under-5 mortality

Transmission

Fecal-oral (viral, bacterial, parasitic)

Relationship to central

Core diseases managed under IMCI framework

Infection Control & Isolation Precautions

Sub concepts

  • Airborne precautions (measles, varicella, pertussis initial)
  • Droplet precautions (mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis)
  • Contact precautions (varicella)
  • Standard precautions (all diseases)

Relationship to central

Essential nursing intervention to prevent transmission

Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI)

Sub concepts

IMCI Assessment

Components

Danger signs, main symptoms (cough/difficult breathing, diarrhoea, fever, ear problem), nutritional status, immunisation status

IMCI Classification

Components

PINK (urgent referral), YELLOW (treat at facility), GREEN (home management)

IMCI Age-Based Charts

Components

Young infant (1 week - 2 months), Child (2 months - 5 years)

General Danger Signs

Components

Unable to drink/breastfeed, vomits everything, convulsions, lethargic/unconscious

Relationship to central

WHO/UNICEF/DOH strategy organizing frontline assessment and care

Fast-Breathing Assessment (Pneumonia Criteria)

Sub concepts

  • < 2 months: ≥ 60 breaths/min (fast breathing)
  • 2-12 months: ≥ 50 breaths/min (fast breathing)
  • 12 months - 5 years: ≥ 40 breaths/min (fast breathing)
  • Chest indrawing indicates severe pneumonia (urgent referral)

Relationship to central

Key IMCI respiratory assessment to identify pneumonia

Dehydration Assessment & Management (Diarrhoea)

Sub concepts

Plan A: No Dehydration

Indicators

Normal thirst, normal drinking, skin pinch goes back quickly

Management

Home care - extra fluids, ORS after each loose stool, Zinc, continue feeding/breastfeeding

Plan B: Some Dehydration

Indicators

Slightly increased thirst, drinks eagerly, skin pinch goes back slowly

Management

Supervised ORS 75 mL/kg over 4 hours at facility, reassess, then home care

Plan C: Severe Dehydration

Indicators

Drinks poorly or unable to drink, skin pinch goes back very slowly (>2 seconds), weak/absent radial pulse

Management

IV fluids immediately (Ringer's lactate), then ORS when able, monitor carefully

Relationship to central

Critical intervention in diarrhoeal disease management

Zinc Supplementation in Diarrhoea

Sub concepts

  • Infants < 6 months: 10 mg/day for 10-14 days
  • Children ≥ 6 months: 20 mg/day for 10-14 days
  • Prevents future episodes
  • Cornerstone of ORS + Zinc strategy

Relationship to central

Evidence-based intervention reducing duration and severity

Vaccination & Prevention (EPI / Garantisadong Pambata)

Sub concepts

Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)

Prevents

Measles, pertussis, TB, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, Hepatitis B, Hib, pneumococcus, rotavirus

Schedule

BCG and Hep B at birth; pentavalent/OPV/PCV at 6-10-14 weeks; measles-containing vaccine at 9 and 12 months

Garantisadong Pambata (GP) Biannual Program

Frequency

Twice-yearly child-health package

Components

Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, immunisation catch-up, health education

Vitamin A Supplementation

Special

Also given in measles cases to reduce severity/mortality

Infants 6 11 months

100,000 IU once

Children 12 59 months

200,000 IU every 6 months

Relationship to central

Primary prevention strategy for communicable diseases

Nursing Diagnoses & NANDA Framework

Sub concepts

Risk for Infection Transmission

Related to

Communicability of childhood diseases, inadequate isolation precautions

Interventions

Implement appropriate isolation precautions, teach hand hygiene, screen visitors

Risk for Dehydration

Related to

Diarrhoea, vomiting, fever

Interventions

Monitor fluid intake/output, administer ORS, assess skin turgor and mucous membranes

Acute Pain

Related to

Mumps parotitis, measles photophobia, varicella pruritus

Interventions

Analgesics, cool/warm compresses, dim lighting, soft bland diet

Ineffective Airway Clearance

Related to

Diphtheria pseudomembrane, pertussis coughing, airway edema

Interventions

Monitor for stridor/respiratory distress, suctioning, emergency airway equipment ready

Hyperthermia

Related to

Fever in measles, mumps, dengue, diphtheria

Interventions

Antipyretics (paracetamol), tepid sponging, light clothing, fluid intake

Deficient Knowledge (Caregiver)

Related to

Transmission, home care, feeding during illness, warning signs

Interventions

Health education on ORS preparation, hygiene, when to return immediately, immunisation importance

Relationship to central

Clinical nursing judgment applying NANDA taxonomy

DOH Prevention Strategy for Dengue (4-S)

Sub concepts

  • Search and destroy - identify and destroy Aedes aegypti breeding sites
  • Self-protection - use repellent, wear long sleeves, use screens/bed nets
  • Seek early consultation - report fever and warning signs promptly
  • Support fogging - community-level insecticide spraying during outbreaks

Relationship to central

Community-level dengue prevention aligned with DOH guidelines

Young Infant (1 week - 2 months) Specific Assessment

Sub concepts

  • Danger signs specific to young infants: not feeding well, convulsions, fast breathing (≥60/min), severe chest indrawing
  • Temperature assessment: fever ≥37.5°C or low <35.5°C (both concerning)
  • Responsiveness: movement only when stimulated or no movement indicates urgent referral
  • Assess breastfeeding attachment and correct feeding problems
  • Check for jaundice, weight, and keep infant warm during referral

Relationship to central

Specialized IMCI approach for highest-risk age group

Maslow's Hierarchy & Prioritization in IMCI

Sub concepts

  • Level 1 - Physiological needs (airway, breathing, circulation, fluid balance) - assess respiratory rate, hydration, fever
  • Level 2 - Safety needs (infection control, referral for danger signs, protection from complications)
  • Level 3 - Love/belonging needs (breastfeeding support, mother-child bonding)
  • Level 4 - Esteem needs (empower caregivers with knowledge)
  • Level 5 - Self-actualization (long-term prevention through immunisation and health education)

Relationship to central

Nursing priority framework guiding IMCI assessment order

Concept connections

  • Common Childhood Communicable DiseasesIMCI Assessment FrameworkIMCI provides systematic approach to recognize and classify each disease
  • MeaslesVitamin A SupplementationVitamin A is mandatory intervention in measles that reduces severity and mortality
  • Diarrhoeal DiseaseDehydration ManagementDehydration is the primary life-threatening complication managed by Plans A/B/C and ORS/Zinc
  • Fast-Breathing AssessmentPneumonia ClassificationRespiratory rate and chest indrawing determine pneumonia severity and need for referral
  • DengueWarning Signs MonitoringSpecific warning signs indicate progression to dengue shock syndrome requiring urgent escalation
  • Infection Control & Isolation PrecautionsCommon Childhood Communicable DiseasesEach disease requires specific precautions (airborne, droplet, contact) based on transmission route
  • EPI ImmunisationCommon Childhood Communicable DiseasesVaccination prevents most childhood communicable diseases listed
  • Garantisadong PambataVitamin A SupplementationGP program delivers Vitamin A biannually as part of integrated child health package
  • Young Infant AssessmentIMCI Assessment FrameworkSpecialized IMCI protocol for 1-2 months age group with different danger signs and approach
  • Nursing Diagnoses NANDAIMCI ClassificationNANDA diagnoses guide prioritization aligned with IMCI color-coded triage system
  • Maslow's HierarchyIMCI Assessment OrderIMCI follows Maslow framework prioritizing physiological (airway, breathing, hydration) then safety then learning needs
  • PertussisFast-Breathing AssessmentPertussis causes fast breathing and apnea, requiring careful respiratory assessment, especially in infants
  • Zinc SupplementationDiarrhoeal DiseaseZinc is cornerstone intervention in diarrhoea reducing duration severity and preventing future episodes
  • ORS AdministrationPlan A Plan B Plan CORS is used in Plan A and B with volume and duration determined by dehydration degree
  • DiphtheriaAntitoxin AdministrationAntitoxin is specific life-saving treatment for diphtheria myocarditis prevention
  • VaricellaAspirin AvoidanceAspirin in varicella carries risk of Reye's syndrome, therefore contraindicated
  • RubellaCongenital Rubella SyndromeRubella in pregnancy causes CRS, therefore isolation from pregnant women and prevention through MMR critical
  • DOH 4-S Prevention StrategyDengue4-S framework provides comprehensive dengue prevention approach aligned with DOH guidelines
  • Caregiver CounsellingIMCI Follow-upEffective counselling on home care and danger signs ensures treatment adherence and safe follow-up
  • RA 9173 Nursing PracticeIMCI ImplementationRN scope of practice under RA 9173 includes IMCI assessment classification treatment and counselling at primary care level

Diagrams

Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI) - Full Concept Hierarchy

Comprehensive mind map showing the full hierarchy of communicable and infectious diseases in children, IMCI assessment framework, dehydration management plans, infection control precautions, prevention strategies, and nursing care components. This is the central organizing structure for the entire chapter.

IMCI Assessment & Classification Decision Tree (2 months - 5 years)

Decision tree showing the step-by-step IMCI assessment and classification process for children aged 2 months to 5 years. Starts with danger signs check, progresses through main symptoms (cough, diarrhoea, fever, ear), and guides classification into PINK (urgent referral), YELLOW (treat at facility), or GREEN (home management) categories.

Dehydration Assessment & ORS/Zinc Management Plan

Detailed management algorithm for diarrhoeal disease showing dehydration assessment criteria and corresponding treatment plans (A, B, C). Includes ORS administration volumes, Zinc dosing by age, monitoring parameters, and reassessment points. Emphasizes that feeding continues throughout and highlights prevention education.

Respiratory Assessment for Pneumonia (Fast-Breathing & Chest Indrawing)

Step-by-step respiratory assessment guide for identifying pneumonia in children using IMCI age-specific fast-breathing thresholds and chest indrawing assessment. Shows classification (PINK for severe, YELLOW for non-severe), referral criteria, and antibiotic treatment protocols for non-severe pneumonia.

Measles: Clinical Recognition & Management Protocol

Clinical assessment and management pathway for measles, highlighting early recognition (Koplik spots), progression through prodromal and exanthem phases, classification, mandatory Vitamin A supplementation (cornerstone of care), supportive management, complication monitoring, isolation precautions, and vaccination follow-up.

IMCI Nursing Care Sequence: From Assessment to Follow-up

Sequence diagram showing the complete IMCI nursing care journey from initial child-caregiver arrival through danger sign assessment, symptom evaluation, classification, treatment delivery, caregiver counselling, home care implementation, and follow-up reassessment. Emphasizes the iterative nature of IMCI and continuous caregiver engagement.

Young Infant (1 week - 2 months) IMCI Assessment Protocol

Specialized IMCI assessment protocol for young infants (1 week to 2 months), the highest-risk age group. Includes age-specific danger signs (respiratory rate ≥60/min, temperature extremes, poor feeding, movement changes), targeted assessment for jaundice and feeding problems, dehydration management, and close follow-up. Emphasizes maintaining warmth during any referral.

Distribution of Communicable Diseases Impact in Philippine Child Health Context

Proportional representation of major communicable disease causes of childhood under-5 mortality in the Philippines. Highlights that respiratory infections and diarrhoeal disease together account for over half of communicable disease-related deaths, underscoring the critical importance of IMCI respiratory and fluid assessment and management.

Dengue Management: Warning Signs & Escalation Protocol

Comprehensive dengue management protocol emphasizing warning signs that indicate progression to dengue shock syndrome. Highlights the critical importance of fluid management, daily monitoring through the critical phase (days 4-6), and immediate escalation criteria. Integrates DOH 4-S prevention strategy.

Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI) is chapter 6 of 6 in the Paediatric Nursing part of Super Tutor's NLE review. The Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE) is given by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) — Board of Nursing; its dates, format and passing rules are on the NLE page. See the NLE guide.

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