Paediatric Assessment

Question 1

Why do children have an increased risk of airway obstructions?

Answer 1

larger tongues
soft oral tissues are elongated
epiglottis is rigid
trachea is short, narrow and compressible
larynx is higher and more anterior
infants are nasal breathers below 2 months old

Question 2

Why do children struggle with maintaining temperature

Answer 2

water content of children is around 74% and 60% in adults

surface area of their heads compared to body mass means they lose heat quicker

also have an underdeveloped hypothalamus

Question 3

What pulse points should be used on children?

Answer 3

femoral and brachial

Question 4

What 3 elements are part of the paediatric assessment triangle

Answer 4

Appearance
Work of breathing
Circulation

Question 5

What should you look for in “appearance”

Answer 5

tone, interactiveness, consolability, looks/gaze and speech

TICLS

Question 6

Plantar reflex

Answer 6

Touch bottom of the foot, if the toes spread then it’s positive

Question 7

Normal observations for a child under 1

Answer 7

HR: 100-160
RR: 30-40
Systolic BP: 70-90

Question 8

Normal observations for children aged 2-5

Answer 8

HR: 95-140
RR: 23-30
Systolic BP: 80-100

Question 9

Normal observations for children aged 5-12

Answer 9

HR: 80-120
RR: 20-25
Systolic BP: 90-100

Question 10

Signs of dehydration in children

Answer 10

sunken top of the head (fonatelle)
sunken eyes
few/no tears
no wet nappies
drowsy/irritable