Paediatric mnemonics

Question 1

Factors suggesting asthma over viral wheeze.

DR BANT

Answer 1

Dry cough
Recurrent/prolonged (interval symptoms)
Bronchodilator response
Atopy (or FHx)
Nocturnal symptoms worse
Triggers

Question 2

Collapsed child - things to remember.

WET FLAG

Answer 2

Weight = (Age + 4) x 2
Energy = 4J/kg
Tube diameter (NG) = (Age/4) + 4 
Fluids - 20mls/kg for shock; 10mls/kg for trauma or DKA
Lorazepam
Adrenaline
Glucose

Question 3

3 most sensitive signs of dehydration.

CRT

Answer 3

Cap refill
Resps abnormal
Turgor reduced

Question 4

Reasons for laparotomy for intussusception.

5 Ps

Answer 4

Prolonged history (>24h)
Perforation
Peritonitis
Pathological lead point suspected
Poor response to enema

Question 5

Paeds systems review.
Extra things to remember
WAFFLES

Answer 5

Weight change
Appetite
Feeding 
Fever
Lumps 
Energy/activity 
School absence

Question 6

Evaluation of a sick neonate.

• 4 main causes
• more extensive differentials: THE MISFITS

Answer 6

Sepsis, CHD, metabolic, NAI

T: Trauma, tumor, thermal
H: Heart disease, hypovolemia, hypoxia
E: Endocrine (CAH, DM, thyroid)
M: Metabolic disturbances (electrolyte imbalance)
I: Inborn errors of metabolism
S: Seizures or CNS abnormalities
F: Formula dilution or over-concentration leading to hypo/hypernatremia
I: Intestinal catastrophe (intussusception, volvulus, NEC)
T: Toxins (including home remedies such as baking soda for burping)
S: Sepsis

Question 7

Rheumatic fever.

JONES criteria

Answer 7

J - Joint pain
O - Heart (carditis: endo, myo and pericarditis)
N - Nodules
E - Erythema marginatum
S - Sydnenham's chorea

Question 8

Social history in Paeds.

HEADS

Answer 8

Home
Education/employment
Activities
Drugs
Sexuality/suicide

Question 9

Kawasaki criteria:

CRASH and Burn

Answer 9

C - Conjunctivitis (non-purulent)
R - Rash
A - Adenopathy (cervical, usually unilateral >15mm)
S - Strawberry tongue and dry, cracked lips
H - Hands and feet: swelling, desquamation

Burn = Fever for 5 days

Question 10

Westley clinical score for assessment of croup severity.

CRABS

Answer 10

C - consciousness
R - recessions
A - air entry
B - blue (cyanosis)
S - stridor

Question 11

Presentation of paediatric brain tumours.

BAN HENS

Answer 11

B	Blurred vision
A	Ataxia
N	Nystagmus
H	Headache
E	Endocrine dysfunction
N	Nausea and vomiting
S	Squint (sixth nerve palsy)

Question 12

Nephrotic syndrome.

HOP and HIT

Answer 12

H    Hypoalbuminaemia (< 30 g/L)
O    Oedema
P     Proteinuria heavy (> 3.5 g/day)
H    Hyperlipidaemia
I      Infections
T    Thrombosis

Question 13

Downs: facial features

NOB A PLEB

Answer 13

N - Nasal bridge flat
O - Oblique palpebral fissure
B - Brushfield spots in the iris
A - Arched palate (high)
P - Protuding tongue
L - Low set ears
E - Epicanthic folds
B - Brachycephaly

Question 14

Every child matters: 5 components

SHEEP

Answer 14

S - Stay safe
H - Healthy
E - Enjoy and achieve
E - Economic wellbeing
P - Positive contribution