NLE Paediatric Nursing — Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI)Concept Map
For visual learners attacking the NLE 2026, a Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI) concept map is usually worth more than ten pages of linear notes. PRC builds many Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI) items around the same handful of relationships — spot them on a map and you recognise them at a glance in the Paediatric Nursing paper.
Exam context
For the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) — Board of Nursing tests Paediatric Nursing under a "Core" label, with Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI) in the 6th slot across 6 chapters. NLE candidates must clear the 75% weighted average with no sub-test below 60% cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about 50 Paediatric Nursing questions. Date to watch: Bi-annual.
Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI) - Concept Map
Central Concept
Communicable & Infectious Diseases in Children (IMCI)
Related Concepts
Concept
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
Concept
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
Concept
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
Concept
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
Concept
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
Concept
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
Concept
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
Concept
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
Concept
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
Concept
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
Concept
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
To
IMCI Assessment Framework
From
Common Childhood Communicable Diseases
Strength
strong
Relationship
IMCI provides systematic approach to recognize and classify each disease
To
Vitamin A Supplementation
From
Measles
Strength
strong
Relationship
Vitamin A is mandatory intervention in measles that reduces severity and mortality
To
Dehydration Management
From
Diarrhoeal Disease
Strength
strong
Relationship
Dehydration is the primary life-threatening complication managed by Plans A/B/C and ORS/Zinc
To
Pneumonia Classification
From
Fast-Breathing Assessment
Strength
strong
Relationship
Respiratory rate and chest indrawing determine pneumonia severity and need for referral
To
Warning Signs Monitoring
From
Dengue
Strength
strong
Relationship
Specific warning signs indicate progression to dengue shock syndrome requiring urgent escalation
To
Common Childhood Communicable Diseases
From
Infection Control & Isolation Precautions
Strength
strong
Relationship
Each disease requires specific precautions (airborne, droplet, contact) based on transmission route
To
Common Childhood Communicable Diseases
From
EPI Immunisation
Strength
strong
Relationship
Vaccination prevents most childhood communicable diseases listed
To
Vitamin A Supplementation
From
Garantisadong Pambata
Strength
moderate
Relationship
GP program delivers Vitamin A biannually as part of integrated child health package
To
IMCI Assessment Framework
From
Young Infant Assessment
Strength
strong
Relationship
Specialized IMCI protocol for 1-2 months age group with different danger signs and approach
To
IMCI Classification
From
Nursing Diagnoses NANDA
Strength
moderate
Relationship
NANDA diagnoses guide prioritization aligned with IMCI color-coded triage system
To
IMCI Assessment Order
From
Maslow's Hierarchy
Strength
moderate
Relationship
IMCI follows Maslow framework prioritizing physiological (airway, breathing, hydration) then safety then learning needs
To
Fast-Breathing Assessment
From
Pertussis
Strength
moderate
Relationship
Pertussis causes fast breathing and apnea, requiring careful respiratory assessment, especially in infants
To
Diarrhoeal Disease
From
Zinc Supplementation
Strength
strong
Relationship
Zinc is cornerstone intervention in diarrhoea reducing duration severity and preventing future episodes
To
Plan A Plan B Plan C
From
ORS Administration
Strength
strong
Relationship
ORS is used in Plan A and B with volume and duration determined by dehydration degree
To
Antitoxin Administration
From
Diphtheria
Strength
strong
Relationship
Antitoxin is specific life-saving treatment for diphtheria myocarditis prevention
To
Aspirin Avoidance
From
Varicella
Strength
strong
Relationship
Aspirin in varicella carries risk of Reye's syndrome, therefore contraindicated
To
Congenital Rubella Syndrome
From
Rubella
Strength
strong
Relationship
Rubella in pregnancy causes CRS, therefore isolation from pregnant women and prevention through MMR critical
To
Dengue
From
DOH 4-S Prevention Strategy
Strength
moderate
Relationship
4-S framework provides comprehensive dengue prevention approach aligned with DOH guidelines
To
IMCI Follow-up
From
Caregiver Counselling
Strength
moderate
Relationship
Effective counselling on home care and danger signs ensures treatment adherence and safe follow-up
To
IMCI Implementation
From
RA 9173 Nursing Practice
Strength
moderate
Relationship
RN scope of practice under RA 9173 includes IMCI assessment classification treatment and counselling at primary care level
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