An approach to assessing children Flashcards
What is a childs weight measured in?
Kilograms (Kg) and grams (g)
How much weight should a baby gain per week in the first 6 months?
150(100)-200g / week
What are childs feed volumes measured in?
Millilitres (ml)
How much feed should a baby take?
140-180ml/kg/day (100ml/kg/day if ill)
Questions to ask about faeces
Nappies vs independent toileting Frequency (per day, week or even month) size, shape, appearance and consistency Difficulties passing Blood or mucus seen Bristol stool chart
What parts of a parents life can impact on a childs health?
smoking alcohol drugs occupation stress
What do you have to be in examining children/babies?
Opportunistic
Features of examining babies / children
Observe first
be friendly and smile
speak to the child (even if they are weeks old)
be careful moving them - keep parents close and try best to examine them when they are there
Gentle handling and gradual exposure
show interest in their toys and play
What general features are you looking for?
Appearance
Play
Interaction
Obs
What resp features are you looking for?
effort noise rate recession O2 nebs
What CVS features are you looking for?
Colour
Perfusion
What GI features are you looking for?
Feeding
vomit
abdo distention / movement
What neuro features are you looking for?
Alertness
interaction
play
posture
What MSK features are you looking for?
Mobility limb movements posture splints mobility aids
What are you looking at on the childs hands and arms?
Warmth cap refill radial / brachial pulses (rate / rhythm) clubbing nail changes hand skills pen marks
What are you looking at on the childs head and face?
Eyes (jaundice) lips (colour, moisture) tongue nose scalp changes bruises rashes fontanel
What are you looking for on a childs neck?
Rashes and nodes
Tracheal tug