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 DiarrheaIf 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
What is the Tx for UTI’s ?
- Antibiotic therapy: PO or IV
- Teach prevention
- proper wiping technique (front to back)
- No bubble baths
- Cotton underwear
- Limited carbonated drinks
(b/c, decreases acidity of urine & allows more bacteria)
What is Hydrocephalus ?
Condition where there is a disturbance of the ventricular circulation of CSF.
The CSF builds up and causes increased ICP
What are signs and symptoms of Hydrocephalus ?
- Bulging fontanels with head enlargement
- Dilated scalp veins
- Depressed or sunken eyes (d/t swollen forehead)
- Irritability and changes in LOC
- High-pitched cry *
- Setting sun sign (whites around iris can be seen)
What is the Diagnosis for Hydrocephalus ?
Head circumference
always do at well child check-ups until 3 years
What is the surgical treatment for Hydrocephalus ?
Insertion of a VP shunt (ventriculoperitoneal shunt)
- to drain excess fluid
What is the Post-op care of a VP shunt for Hydrocephalus ?
- Measure the head circumference (pre and post-op)
- Assess for bulging fontanels and widening cranial suture lines
- Monitor Temperature
- Supine position
What is Hydrocephalus frequently associated with ?
Myelomeningocele
What is Myelomeningocele ?
A type of Spina Bifida
When an infant is born with Myelomeningocele what do you want to do ?
Protect the sac and do not let it rupture
How should a baby with Myelomeningocele be lying ?
Prone
What should you do while waiting for surgery in someone who has Myelomeningocele (a type of spina bifida) ?
Cover the sack with a sterile moistened dressing so it won’t dry out
What is Scoliosis ?
A musculoskeletal disorder consisting of lateral curvature and rotation of the spine
Scoliosis can be __________ or ___________ ?
Idiopathic or Congenital
What are contributing factors for scoliosis ?
- Heavy backpacks (suitcases, etc)
- Bags
- Carrying children on hips
What is the Treatment for scoliosis ? (the 3 O’s)
- Observation
- Orthosis (supports and braces)
- Operation (which usually is spinal fusion with rods)
- depends on curve-
What is Chicken Pox ?
Childhood communicable disease that is rare d/t a vaccine recommended by the CDC
Chicken Pox is the same virus that causes what as persons get older ?
Shingles
What is the primary focus with chicken pox ?
Prevent infection of the lesions
What home remedies could alleviate the itching associated with chicken pox ?
Oatmeal bath & baking soda paste
Are chicken pox contagious ?
Yes! - Very!
What is the virus that causes chicken pox ?
Varicella zoster
What are the 4 different parenting styles ?
- Authoritarian
- Authoritative
- Permissive
- Indifferent
_____________ parenting style is defined as: highly controlling, expects to be obeyed, inflexible rules ?
Authoritarian
_____________ parenting style is defined as: Sets reasonable limits on behavior, encourages growing autonomy of child, open communication ?
Authoritative :)
_____________ parenting style is defined as: Few or no restraints, unconditional love, much freedom, little guidance, no limit setting ?
Permissive
_____________ parenting style is defined as: No limit setting, lack affection for the child, focused on own life ?
Indifferent
Which Parenting style is the good one & the one you always want to remember ?
Authoritative ! :)
