flashcards_feverish_child
What is the management approach for a child in the Green category of the Traffic Light System?
Manage at home with appropriate care and advice.
What safety net measures should be provided for a child in the Green category?
Advice on warning symptoms and signs and when urgent medical review is needed, arrange a follow-up appointment in primary care, liaise with other healthcare professionals, including out-of-hours providers, to ensure direct access for the child if further assessment is required.
What medications can be used for a child in the Green category if they are uncomfortable or distressed?
Paracetamol or ibuprofen, and measures to prevent dehydration.
What tests should be conducted for a child in the Green category?
Test urine for UTI, no routine bloods or CXR.
What is the management approach for a child in the Amber category?
Provide parents with a safety net or refer to a paediatric specialist for further assessment.
When should hospital admission be considered for a child in the Amber category?
If < 3 months with a suspected UTI and no alternative focus of infection, if the fever has no obvious underlying cause and the child is unwell for longer than expected for a self-limiting illness, if there is significant parental/carer anxiety and/or difficulty coping due to the family/social situation.
What tests should be conducted for a child in the Amber category?
Test for UTI, FBC, CXR if temp >39C and WBC >20x10^9/L, consider LP if <1 year old.
What is the management approach for a child in the Red category?
Arrange immediate ambulance transfer to A&E if life-threatening features, or urgent face-to-face assessment within 2 hours.
What tests should be conducted for a child in the Red category?
FBC, CRP, culture, urine test, CXR, LP, serum electrolytes, blood gas.
When should empirical parenteral antibiotics be administered for a child in the Red category?
If <1 month old or <3 months old and appears unwell, or if shocked, unrousable, or shows signs of meningococcal disease.
