1. Intro and theory Flashcards
What are the differences between primary and secondary cardiorespiratory arrest?
Primary - sudden acute event, occurs without warning (usually cardiac arrhythmia) and successful outcome dependent on defib. Common in older children with congenital heart disease/in adults.
Secondary - usually due to hypoxia -> myocardial dysfunction -> profound bradycardia -> asystole or PEA. Very poor outcomes.
What are the most common arrhythmias in paediatric primary cardiorespiratory arrests?
VF
pVT
What are ‘airway’ differences between child and adult?
Infant/child
= proportionally narrower airway, more susceptible to oedema
= larger head which can flex the neck when supine therefore greater potential airway obstruction
= small mouth and large tongue
= infant is nasal breather for first 6 months (therefore secretions and NG tubes can lead to increased WOB and resp compromise)
= infant epiglottis larger and floppier therefore more vulnerable to damage by manouevres or devices
What are ‘breathing’ differences between child and adult?
Infant/child
= small resting lung volume and low oxygen reserve
= higher rate O2 consumption
= diaphragm is main muscle of respiration (as they have weak intercostal muscles)
What is the RR of <1yr?
30-40
What is the RR of 5-12yr?
20-25
What is the RR of >12yrs?
12-20
What are ‘circulation’ differences between child and adult?
Circulating volume of newborn at 3kg = ~240ml! Therefore small losses represent high % of total circulating volume!
Faster resting HR (as CO = HR x SV)
- CO is high
- SV is low
What are ‘disability’ differences between child and adult?
children limited communication skills
need better pain control/empathy/appropriate language
Use AVPU in children and check pupils, muscle tone, posture…
What calculation can be used for children 1-10 years to get a rough weight?
Weight (kg) = (age yrs + 4) x 2
