Lecture 3: Fevers and Seizures (enochs) Flashcards
What is the general temp for a fever?
~100.4F or 38C.
What temperatures must be adjusted?
- Rectal and tympanic are 0.5C/0.9F higher
- Take a degree Off Orifices
- Axillary and forehead temps are lower.
For an adult fever, what are top DDx for someone with recent travel?
- Dengue fever
- Malaria
- TB
- Typhoid
What additional PE features on top of fever may suggest sepsis?
- Low BP
- Tachycardia
- Hypoxia
- Flushing
- Localized infection
Signs of hemodynamic instability
If fever is present and PNA is suspected but CXR is normal, should we order a CT?
Yes
What is SIRS criteria?
- HR > 90
- Resp > 20
- Temp < 96.8F or > 100.4F
- WBC > 12k or < 4k
atleast 2 of these i think
Progression of SIRS to septic shock image
Basic antipyretic management for a fever
- Acetaminophen (>12 yo = 325-650 q4h, 10-15mg/kg for peds)
- Ibuprofen (avoid if GI upset/gastric ulcer, not for pts < 6mo)
- Avoid ASA in non-adults (Reye’s syndrome)
When are empiric ABX indicated for a fever?
- Neutropenic or soon to be
- Hemodynamic instability
- Asplenic (surgical or 2/2 SCD)
- Immunosuppressed
When should we admit for fever?
- Concomitant with vital sign abnormalities
- Evidence of end-organ dmg
- Extremely high temp > 41C/105.8F
- Seizure/AMS
- Underlying condition
What are the 3 age categories we divide pediatric fever into?
- 0-28d (neonate)
- 1-3mo
- 3-36mo
MC presenting CC in pediatrics EM
What is considered a fever in children < 3mo? 3-36mo?
- Rectal of 38C = fever in children < 3mo
- Rectal of 39C = fever in children 3-36mo
What is the MCC of fever in children < 3mo?
Viral (flu A/B, covid, RSV, HSV, Varicella, Entero, adeno, CMV, rubella)
In infants < 3mo of age with fever, what history do we need?
- Birth history (gestation, maternal hx)
- Immunizations
- Ill contacts
- Fever max temp
- Symptoms (crying/irritability/poor feeding)
What is considered normal HR and RR for a neonate?
- 120-160 BPM
- 30-60 RR
When performing PE on an infant < 3mo, what must be done?
Full exam, fully undressed
What suggest lower respiratory tract infection in an infant < 3mo?
- Cough
- Tachypnea
- Hypoxia
What suggests meningitis in an infant < 3 mo?
- Bulging fontanelle
- Inconsolable crying
What is the criteria for an infant < 3 mo to be considered low risk with a fever?
- Well-appearing w/o hx of premature or perinatal complications
- No immunizations in last 48h or recent abx
- WBC 5-15k(bands <1500)
- Normal UA <10
- CSF with < 5 WBCs
- Stool < 5 WBCs if diarrhea
- Normal CXR
All criteria per tintinalli
If we have a high risk neonate, what do we give for empiric abx?
Ampicillin + cefotaxime both 50mg/kg/q8
Amp and Tax