Childrens Health Flashcards
Define neonate , infant and child
Neonate- An infant less than four weeks old
Infant- from one month up to one year of age
Child- from 1-12 years of age
Where can you find the average/expected weight for specific age groups of the paediatric population
BNF for children
Outline when to refer a child (5)
1) symptoms lasting for long periods
2) recurring or worsening symptoms
3) failure to respond to medicines
4) severe pain
5) presence of danger symptoms
List the danger/red flag symptoms in children (9)
1) unexplained loss of appetite
2) unexplained weight loss
3) persistently raised temperature
4) abnormal drowsiness
5) loss of consciousness
6) difficulty breathing
7) cough with vomiting
8) blood in sputum etc
9) persistent night time cough
What medicine would you give for dental pain in children (2)
1) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) - ibuprofen only licensed NSID in children
2) benzydamine spray/topical anaesthetics
Describe the treatment for headache in a child (2)
1) migraine - refer on initial presentation
2) migraine relief products licensed from age 10
Outline the analgesics which can be used to treat children (3)
1) paracetamol
- mild to moderate pain
- overdose dangerous
2) NSAIDs - ibuprofen ( take with or after food) TDS
- particularly useful in pain associated with fever and dental pain.
- cause gastric irritation
- watch asthmatics
Can use a combination in more severe pain
3) aspirin should not be given to children
Outline the management of a fever in children (3)
Raised temperature
Management:
1) cold drinks- encourage regular fluids
2) use paracetamol or ibuprofen
3) if child remains unwell alternate with paracetamol (record dose carefully)
Outline when to refer a fever in a child (9)
1) children under one year with fever
2) age one to five years 38 degrees and above
3) if temperature raises a over 39 degrees
4) if febrile convulsion (fits) have occurred
5) difficulty breathing
6) any signs of meningitis
7) fever lasting several days along with rash/ conjunctivitis/ other symptoms
8) failure to respond to treatment
9) stiff neck
What are febrile convulsions (4)
1) Febrile convulsions are seizures occurring in children aged 6 months to 6 years, associated with fever, without other underlying cause such as CNS infection or electrolyte imbalance.
febrile convulsions 6 months- 6 years
2) sudden rise in temperature rather than a persistently elevated temperature that is thought to cause convulsions
3) antipyretic agents do not prevent febrile convulsions and should not be used specifically for this purpose
4) refer
What are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis in children (8)
1) fever - cold hands and feet
2) refusing food or vomiting
3) fretful, dislike of being handled
4) pale blotchy skin
5) blank starting
6) drowsy
7) stiff neck
8) high pitched cry
What are headlice (8)
1) tiny whitish grey-brown insects that live in human hair
2) spread by head to head contact
3) all types of hair can be affected , regardless of length and condition
4) only effect humans and cannot be passed on to animals
5) nits = headlice eggs
6) females lay eggs which hatch after 7-10days
7) female life will then lay eggs after a further 7days
8) clings to hair and feeds on blood from hosts scalp
Outline the treatment of head-lice (8)
1) shampoos , lotions , sprays , wet combing
2) all affected persons treated at the same time
3) silicone based e.g dimethicone only kills eggs
4) insecticide e.g malathion, permethrin kill both lice and nits
5) refer younger than 6 months or children with skin conditions
7) only treat if lice have been confirmed and repeat treatment after 7 days
8) alcohol from product might trigger asthma
What is teething
1) teething pain may occur as a new tooth starts to break through the gum - will affect most children to some extent
We need to know: WHHAM
Who it’s for - from 3 months - 3 years
Symptoms - swollen red gums , red cheeks , excessive dribbling , fever, nappy rash , disturbed sleep / eating pattern
Describe the treatment for teething (5)
1) analgesics - paracetamol or ibuprofen liquid
2) topical gel - local anaesthetic lidocaine usually in combination with an antiseptic e.g. Cetalkonium chloride
3) homeopathic - teething granules
4) oral choline salicylate gels are contraindicated because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome
5) advice: teething ring , chewing on hard food - raw carrots , biscuits
What is oral thrush and what are the symptoms (4)
1) mild fungal infection affecting mouth and throat
2) sometimes called a yeast infection
3) cause by Candida albicans
4) symptoms: white patches in mouth is tongue that do not wipe off, sore red mouth or tongue , discomfort during feeding.