Approach to trauma in pediatric patient

Question 1

What percent of childhood are from blunt trauma

Answer 1

87%

Question 2

Anatomic characteristics of children that lead to increased susceptibility to injury

Answer 2

• skeletal and ligamentous structures have increased flexibility, which results in greater transmission of force to internal organs
• prominent occiputs, exaggerated head to body ration, weak neck muscles and higher center of gravity lead to more head injuries
• less protective muscle and subcutaneous tissue over internal organs means viscera are closer to the surface and can be bruised

Question 3

Physiologic characteristics of children that lead to increased susceptibility to injury

Answer 3

• underlying heart disease rarely results in morbidity in children
• hypoxia and respiratory failure are increasingly likely in children
• high body surface area to weight ratio predisposes children to hypothermia, which may complicate shock and worsen acidosis if it is not corrected

Question 4

What is the most common of shock in pediatrics

Answer 4

Hypovolemic shock

Question 5

Indications for CT scan in head trauma

Answer 5

• alt LOC
• waxing, waning, or deteriorating mental status
• GCS