Paediatric sepsis Flashcards
When is the traffic light system used in children?
Used for risk stratification of children under age of 5 years presenting with fever etc.
Only apply until clinical diagnosis of underlying condition has been made
What are 5 things that must be recorded in all febrile children?
- Temperature
- Heart rate
- Respiratory rate
- Capillary refill time
- Any signs of dehydration: reduced skin turgor, extremities
How should temperature be measured in children?
With an electronic thermometer in the axilla if child is <4 weeks or with an electronic/ chemical dot thermometer in the axilla, or an intra-red tympanic thermometer
If a child falls under the green category of the traffic light system, what is the appropriate management?
Child can be managed at home with appropriate care advice, including when to seek further help
If a child falls under the amber category of the traffic light system, what is the appropriate management?
- provide parents with safety net OR refer to paediatric specialist for further assessment
- safety net includes written or verbal info on warning symptoms and how to access further healthcare, follow up appt, liaison with other healthcare professions e.g. OOH for further follow up
If a child falls under the red category of the traffic light system, what is the appropriate management?
Refer child urgently to a paediatric specialist
When shouldn’t you prescribe antibiotics to a child with a fever?
If it is a fever without apparent source
Should you perform an x-ray if pneumonia is suspected but the child isn’t going to be referred to hospital?
No, not routinely performed
What are 2 key questions to ask in the history if you suspect a risk of paediatric sepsis?
- Behaviour: are they drinking, playing, smiling
- Urine output: are they wetting nappies
What are 6 key parts of examination/ observation of a child in whom you suspect sepsis?
- Behaviour
- Heart rate
- Respiratory rate and effort
- Hydration
- Skin
- Temperature
What are 4 elements of behaviour that could put a child in the red category?
- no response to social cues
- appears ill to a healthcare professional
- does not wake, or if roused does not stay awake
- weak high-pitched or continuous cry
What heart rates would put a child in the red category for the following ages:
- <1 year
- 1-2 y
- 3-4y
- any age?
- >160
- >150
- >140
- <60
What respiratory rates would put a child in the red category for the following ages:
- <1 year
- 1-2 y
- 3-4y
- 4 features of breathing at any age?
- >60
- >50
- >40
- grunting, apnoea, sats<90 or >oxygen requirement over baseline
What skin features would put a child in the red sepsis risk category? 3 key points
- Mottled or ashen appearance
- Cyanosis of skin, lips or tongue
- Non-blanching rash of skin
What temperature would put a child in the red risk of sepsis category?
Under 3 months: >38
any age: <36