Anything goes (Tet spells, UTI's, Hydrocehpalus, Scoliosis, Chicken Pox Flashcards
What are Tet spells also known as ?
“Hypercyanotic” spells
Tet spells are seen in who ?
Children with the congenital heart defect of Tetralogy of Fallot
What are Tet spells caused by ?
Insufficient blood flow to the lungs
What is the Treatment for Hypercyanotic Tet spells ?
- Put infants in the knee-chest position
- 100% O2
- Morphine for sedations
- Monitor Cardiac Output
Why do you want to put infants in the knee-chest position for Tet spells ?
This decreases venous return from the lower extremities (the desaturated blood) and increases systemic resistance which diverts the blood to the pulmonary artery for oxygenation
What is the prevention for Tet spells ?
- Quiet play
- Minimize stress
- Respond to crying quickly (d/t bearing down in chest)
- HF in infants and small children is usually due to congenital heart defects
What are Congenital Heart Defects ?
Are a structural defect of the heart or great vessels that is present at birth
How are congenital heart defects classified ?
Classified by direction of blood flow & if cyanotic or not
Are UTI’s common, but a potentially serious infection ?
Yes
UTI’s occur most often in who ?
Children 2-6 years of age, with a greater risk in females
What are UTI signs and symptoms in children under 2 years of age ?
- In newborns and children < 2 years, the s/s may be nonspecific (may even seem to be a GI problem) - Failure to thrive - Feeding problems - Vomiting and Diarrhea
If UTI’s are left untreated, what may happen ?
Renal tissue may be destroyed and scarring can occur, and can lead to kidney failure
Why is family teaching regarding UTI’s so important ?
B/c there is a tendency for infection to re-occur
What are causes of UTI’s ?
- Renal anomalies
- Constipation (displaces bladder & potential for obstruction)
- Bubble baths
- Poor hygiene
- Pin worms
- Sexual activity (including sexual abuse)
Why are girls more prone to UTI’s than boys ?
Female anatomy
The female urethra is about 1 1/2 inches long at maturity, but its only 3/4 inches long in young females. it provides a ready pathway for micro-organisms to invade
What are UTI signs and symptoms for children over the age of 2 ?
Classic symptoms of UTI are seen in children > 2 years
- Frequency
- Dysuria
- Fever
- Flank pain
- Hematuria
- Foul smelling urine
How are UTI’s diagnosed ?
- Requires a properly collected Urine Specimen
- Most accurate method is catheterization