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Biological basis of child health 11: anatomy, physiology and development of the senses
This article, the 11th in the Biological basis of child health series, focuses on the senses. There are five basic senses in humans: hearing, sight, touch, smell and taste. Several congenital and acquired conditions can affect the senses and may have significant negative effects on a child’s develop...
Updated: 22 November 2023 -
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Biological basis of child health 9: development of the liver and clinical features of childhood liver disease
This article is the ninth in a series on the biological basis of child health and follows on from the previous article, which discussed the gastrointestinal system. The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and has more than 500 functions. These functions include: producing bile, which serves...
Updated: 18 April 2024 -
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How to give an intramuscular injection to an adult with an intellectual disability
People with intellectual disabilities can have various healthcare needs across their lifespan, which may be closely linked to genetic, biological and/or psychosocial factors. As a result, they may require medicines – some of which may be administered intramuscularly – for various clinical reasons, i...
Updated: 22 November 2023 -
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Understanding status epilepticus and its treatment in the community
Status epilepticus (SE) is a complication of epilepsy characterised by prolonged or repeated seizures. It is a life-threatening condition that requires the immediate administration of a rescue medicine. If given promptly, rescue medicines can reduce the duration of seizures and support SE cessation....
Updated: 22 November 2023 -
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Effective management of type 1 diabetes in children and young people
Type 1 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes among children and young people, and requires careful management to ensure that blood glucose levels stay as close as possible to the target range. Suboptimal management can lead to serious health consequences, including damage to various organs an...
Updated: 19 January 2023 -
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Supporting people with learning disabilities to receive subcutaneous injections
The average life expectancy of people with learning disabilities has increased and many of these individuals will experience long-term and potentially life-limiting conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cancer or arthritis. To manage these conditions and any associated complications medicine injecti...
Updated: 22 November 2023 -
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Biological basis of child health 8: development of the gastrointestinal system and associated childhood conditions
This article is the eighth in a series on the biological basis of child health. It describes the embryological development of the gastrointestinal (GI) system and some of the structural anomalies that may arise during that time and later affect GI functioning. The article also discusses the function...
Updated: 16 September 2024 -
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Oral health and supporting people with intellectual disabilities to get access to dental treatment
Oral health is an important aspect of a person’s overall health and well-being. People with intellectual disabilities have poorer oral health than the general population, so it is essential that service users and their carers are supported to address this. This article provides information for nurse...
Updated: 22 November 2023 -
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Biological basis of child health 7: growth, development and the reproductive system
This article is the seventh in a series on the biological basis of child health. It describes early developmental milestones, stages of growth, puberty and the development of the reproductive system. It also outlines the methods used to assess growth and development, and describes conditions that af...
Updated: 16 September 2024 -
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Management of oxygen therapy for people with intellectual disabilities
People with intellectual disabilities may require oxygen therapy across the lifespan for various reasons. Some of them will require oxygen therapy frequently, such as those who experience recurrent respiratory conditions, while others may require oxygen therapy at times when they become acutely ill ...
Updated: 19 January 2023
