Paediatrics Flashcards
Go look at the immunisation schedule
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What vaccines are included in the 6-in-1 vaccine given at 2, 3, and 4 months old?
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
- Polio
- Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
- Hepatitis B
At what ages is the Rotavirus vaccine given?
2 months old (1st dose)
3 months old (2nd dose)
When is the first dose of the Meningitis B vaccine given?
At 2 months old.
What 2 vaccines are given at 3 months old in addition to the 6-in-1 vaccine?
- Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine (1st dose)
- Rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose)
What is the vaccination schedule at 1 year old? (4)
- Hib/Meningitis C Booster (Hib 4th dose & Meningitis C)
- MMR (1st dose): Measles, Mumps, Rubella
- Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine (2nd dose)
- Meningitis B vaccine (3rd dose)
At what age is the flu vaccine given, and how often is it administered?
From 2 to 10 years old
Given annually
What vaccines are included in the 4-in-1 pre-school booster given at 3 years and 4 months old?
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
- Polio
When is the second dose of the MMR vaccine given?
At 3 years and 4 months old.
What vaccine is administered to children at 12/13 years old to prevent certain types of cancer?
The HPV vaccine (Human Papillomavirus), given in two doses 6-24 months apart.
What vaccines are included in the 3-in-1 teenage booster given at 14 years old?
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Polio
What vaccine is given at 14 years old to protect against four types of meningitis?
The Meningitis ACWY vaccine.
What is hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE)?
HIE is brain damage caused by prolonged hypoxia during birth, which can lead to long-term complications like cerebral palsy.
Why are newborns particularly prone to rapid heat loss?
Newborns have a large surface area relative to their weight and are born wet, leading to rapid heat loss.
What should be done to warm a baby during neonatal resuscitation?
Dry the baby vigorously and use a heat lamp. Preterm babies under 28 weeks should be placed in a plastic bag while still wet.
What does the APGAR score assess, and when is it measured?
The APGAR score assesses the baby’s appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration. It is measured at 1, 5, and 10 minutes after birth.
What should be done if a newborn is gasping or not breathing despite initial stimulation?
Administer two cycles of five inflation breaths (lasting 3 seconds each) and if needed, proceed to 30 seconds of ventilation breaths.
When should chest compressions be initiated during neonatal resuscitation?
Start chest compressions if the heart rate remains below 60 bpm despite inflation breaths.
What is the ideal ratio of chest compressions to ventilation breaths in neonatal resuscitation?
Perform chest compressions at a 3:1 ratio with ventilation breaths.
What gas mixture should be used for inflation breaths in term and pre-term neonates?
Use air for term babies and a mix of air and oxygen for pre-term babies.
What is the purpose of delayed umbilical cord clamping?
Delayed clamping allows for placental transfusion, which improves haemoglobin levels, iron stores, and blood pressure.
What is a possible downside of delayed cord clamping in neonates?
Delayed clamping may increase the risk of neonatal jaundice, which could require phototherapy.
In what situation should the umbilical cord be clamped early?
The cord should be clamped early if neonatal resuscitation is needed to avoid delays in treatment.
Why is Vitamin K administered to newborns?
Newborns have a Vitamin K deficiency, which is vital for blood clotting. It prevents intracranial, umbilical stump, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The standard route is an intramuscular injection.
When is the newborn examination typically performed after birth?
A newborn examination should be performed within 72 hours after birth.
What is the purpose of the blood spot screening test? When is the blood spot screening test performed?
The blood spot screening test screens for nine congenital conditions using a heel prick to collect blood drops.
The blood spot test screens for nine conditions:
1. Sickle cell disease
2. Cystic fibrosis
3. Congenital hypothyroidism
4. Phenylketonuria
5. Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)
6. Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
7. Isovaleric acidaemia (IVA)
8. Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1)
9. Homocystinuria
The blood spot test is done on day 5 (or by day 8) after birth, with parental consent.
What three questions should you ask parents before starting the newborn examination?
- Has the baby passed meconium?
- Is the baby feeding okay?
- Is there a family history of congenital heart, eye, or hip problems?
What is the significance of pre- and post-ductal oxygen saturation differences?
Pre-ductal saturations are measured in the right hand, and post-ductal saturations are measured in either foot. More than a 2% difference between pre-ductal and post-ductal saturations may indicate a duct-dependent congenital heart condition.
How do you check for congenital cataracts or retinoblastoma in a newborn?
Use an ophthalmoscope to check the red reflex in both eyes.
What tests are performed to assess hip dislocation in a newborn?
Perform the Barlow’s and Ortolani’s manoeuvres to check for clunking, clicking, or hip dislocation.
What reflexes are checked during a newborn examination?
- Moro reflex
- Suckling reflex
- Rooting reflex
- Grasp reflex
- Stepping reflex
What are some common skin findings in newborns that generally don’t require action?
- Milia
- Mongolian blue spot
- Erythema toxicum
- Cradle cap
- Transient pustular melanosis
What is Caput Succedaneum?
Caput succedaneum is oedema (fluid collection) on the scalp, outside the periosteum, caused by pressure during a prolonged or instrumental delivery. The fluid crosses the suture lines and resolves within a few days without treatment.
How does Caput Succedaneum differ from Cephalohaematoma?
Caput crosses the suture lines and involves fluid, whereas cephalohaematoma involves blood and does not cross the suture lines
What is Cephalohaematoma?
Cephalohaematoma is a collection of blood between the skull and periosteum, caused by trauma during birth. It can lead to discolouration and has a risk of anaemia and jaundice, but typically resolves without treatment.
What is Erb’s Palsy, and what causes it?
Erb’s palsy is caused by injury to the C5/C6 nerves in the brachial plexus during birth, often associated with shoulder dystocia or large birth weight. It results in a “waiter’s tip” arm posture with internal rotation of the shoulder, extended elbow, and flexed wrist.
What are the common organisms causing neonatal sepsis?
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Listeria
- Klebsiella
- Staphylococcus aureus
Why is Group B Streptococcus (GBS) significant in neonatal sepsis?
GBS is commonly found in the vagina and can be transferred to the baby during labour, causing sepsis. Mothers with GBS may receive prophylactic antibiotics during labour to reduce this risk.
What are the key risk factors for neonatal sepsis?
- Vaginal GBS colonisation
- Previous baby with GBS sepsis
- Maternal sepsis or fever >38°C
- Prematurity (<37 weeks)
- Early rupture of membranes
- Prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM)
What are the red flags for neonatal sepsis?
- Confirmed or suspected maternal sepsis
- Signs of shock
- Seizures
- Term baby requiring mechanical ventilation
- Respiratory distress starting >4 hours after birth
- Presumed sepsis in a twin/multiple pregnancy sibling