Assessment of the acutely unwell child Flashcards
What are some of the common anatomical differences between a child and an adult?
Smaller face
Narrow nostril
Large teeth
FUNNEL SHAPE LAYRNX
HORSE SHOE SHAPE EPIGLOTIS
LARGER PROMINENT OCCIPUT
Is the blood volume in a child higher or lower
Higher
What three things are included in the paediatric assessment triangle
Appearance
Work of breathing
Circulation
Do children deteriorate progressively or suddenly
Suddenly
Bronchiolitis in children. What is it, and what are the symptoms
Inflammation of the bronchioles, often in winter and autumn.
Reduced sats
Increased RR
Irregular breathing
Inspiratory crackles
Low fever
Is salbutamol indicated for bronchiolitis?
No, take to hospital
What are some upper respiratory tract infections in children (URTIs)
Tonsilitis
Otitis media
Cold
Rhinosinusitis
Acute cough/bronchitis
What are is a respiratory tract infection that is found in children
Pneumonia
What is croup
Inflammation around the larynx
Usually self limiting
Follows after a cold usually, however can appear out of the blue
Croup cough
Can present with resp failure and resp arrest
What drugs should we consider giving a child suffering with croup
Oxygen as per jrcalc
Dexamethasone
What is epiglotitis in children
Inflammation of the epiglottis which left untreated can be fatal
What are the symptoms of epiglotitis in children
Fever
Unwell/distressed
Stridor
Difficulty swallowing
Sitting up/drooling/chin forward
What is Febrile illness in children
Most common medical problem in childhood
Suggests an underlying infection
What should look for and ask for in assessment for febrile illness in children
Temp
Duration of illness
Other symptoms
Are they dehydrated
Medications
Family history and travel
What are some dehydration red flags in children
Appearing unwell or deterioating
Altered level of responsivness
Sunken eyes
Tachycardia
Tachypnoea
Causes of convulsions in children
Febrile - sudden rise in temperature
Brain insults
Epilepsy
Convulsive staus epilepticus
What is the treatment of convulsing for children
100% oxygen
95% oxygen in post ictal phase
Diazepam
Buccal midazolam
BVM ventilate sometimes
What are the signs of childhood gastroenteritis
Sudden onset of diarrhoea and vomitting
If there are any other symptoms such as rash or temperature or abdominal pain, consider other diagnosis
What should we do for childhood gastroenteritis
Encourage fluid intake
What are the blood sugar levels for hypoglycaemia in children
<4.0 in diabetic children
<3.0 in non diabetic children
What is the management required for children having an overdose/poisoning
Oxygen
NEVER induce vomitting
12 Lead ECG
Hopsital
Meningitis and septicaemia in children management
High flow 02
Full set of obs on way to hopsital
Give benzylpenicillin
Priority call to A&E
Should all under 2 year olds be transferred to hospital
YES
Where should children between ages 2-5 be transferred to
GP
Children age 5-12 should be considered referring to GP and hospital, True or False
True
