Acute paediatrics Flashcards
1
Q
What are differences to consider in children in the emergency department?
A
Anatomical differences Physiological differences Compensate well and decompensate quickly Communication challenges Parents usually present
2
Q
What are airway differences between children and adults?
A
Large head to body size Short necks Large tongue Obligate nasal breathers Nasal passages easily obstructed Compressible floor of mouth and trachea High anterior larynx
3
Q
How does respiratory physiology change in children?
A
Higher metabolic rate - resp rate higher
Dissociation curve shifted slightly left in neonates so tolerate lower saturations
Immature lung vulnerable to insult
Apnoea may occur in babies
4
Q
What are CVS physiology differences in children?
A
Circulating blood volume - 70-80ml/kg
ECG features vary with age
Stroke volume increases with size
Falling blood pressure is a late sign due to good compensation
Bradycardia indicates life threatening pathology
