CH35 Pediatric emergencies Flashcards
ALTE Apparent life-threatening event
An event causing unresponsiveness, cyanosis and apnea in an infant: who resumes breathing with stimulation
Blanch
To turn white
Bradypnea
Slow respiratory rate
Bronchiolitis
Inflammation of bronchioles: caused by respiratory syncytial virus
Central Pulses
Pulse closest to the central part of body: include carotid, femoral and apical
Croup
Inflammation of upper respiratory system: barking cough
Epiglottitis
Bacterial infection: inflamed/enlarged epiglottis: may cause upper airway obstruction.
Fontanelles
Baby’s “soft spot”: infants skull not yet fused together
Generalized (tonic-conic) siezure
Seizure: rhythmic back-and-fourth motion of an extremity and body stiffness
Grunting
An “uh” sound heard during exhalation: reflects the attempt to keep alveoli open
Infancy
The first year of life
Length-based resuscitation tape
Tape used to estimate an infant’s or child’s weight based on the body length: appropriate drug doses are listed on the tape
Meningitis
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord coverings: usually caused by virus or bacterias
Nares
The external opening of the nostrils.
Neisseria Meningitides
A form of bacterial meningitis characterized by rapid onset of symptoms, often leading to shock and death
(PAT) Pediatric assessment triangle
Rapid assessment for children younger than 6: assesses appearance, breathing and circulation to the skin
Shaken baby syndrome
A form of abusive head trauma caused by violently shaking an infant or young child, leading to brain injury.
Sniffing Position
An upright position in which the patient’s head and chin are thrust slightly forward to keep the airway open
Tachypnea
Rapid respirations
Tracheitis
Inflammation of the trachea
Tripod breathing
A body position where a patient sits leaning forward, supporting themselves with their hands on their knees or another surface, to aid breathing.
Work of breathing
Indicator of oxygenation and ventilation: reflects child’s attempt to compensate for hypoxia.
