Pediatric Illness Flashcards
Difference between adult and pediatric airways
Tongue: larger
Larynx: cephalad in position, funnel shaped
Epiglottis: long, floppy, narrow
Vocal cords: lower attachment anteriorly
Alveoli: fewer, less surface area for exchange
Signs of Increased Respiratory Effort in children
- Nasal flaring
- Inspiratory retractions
- Tachypnea
- Hyperpnea
- abdominal/paradoxical respirations
- Restlessness
- Tachycardia
- Grunting
- Stridor
- Head-bobbing
Inadequate gas exchange.
- Hypoxemia where: PaO2 < 50 mmHg, PaCO2 > 50 mmHg, pH < 7.25
Acute Respiratory Failure
A restrictive lung disease caused by abnormal permeability of either the pulmonary capillaries or the alveolar epithelium
Acute Respiratory Failure
Causes of Acute Respiratory Failure in Children
- Direct injury to lungs, airway, chest wall
- Indirect injury to another body system (brain)
- Chronic pulmonary condition
- Primarily Hypercapnic condition caused by inadequate alveolar
ventilation - Primarily Hypoxic condition caused by inadequate exchange of
oxygen between the alveoli and the capillaries
Management of Acute Respiratory Failure in children
Hypercapnic: Increase ventilation
Hypoxemic: Supplemental O2
Another name for Croup
Laryngotracheobronchhitis
Signs and Symptoms of Croup
- Episode occurs at night
- Recent upper respiratory infection or cold
- low-grade fever
- harsh “barking” cough
- sitting upright/leaning forward
- Inspiratory stridor
- Nasal flaring
- Intercostal retractions
- Cyanosis
Lung Sound involved with Croup
- Inspiratory stridor (from supraglottic edema)
- “barking” seal-like cough
- hoarseness
- “wheezing” may be present if the lower airway is involved
Treatment for Croup
- Airway maintenance
- Cool mist by humidifier or nebulized O2
- Transport in position of comfort
- take them outside
- May receive orders for racemic epinephrine or albuterol
A potentially life threatening condition that requires prompt, expert airway management
Epiglottitis
Signs and Symptoms of Epiglottitis
- Rapid onset (6-8 hours)
- Will appear acutely ill
- Tripod position
- Respiratory distress
- Inspiratory stridor
- Drooling
- Child went to bed asymptomatic and woke up with:
- High fever
- Sore throat
- Pain on swallowing
Lung sounds of Child with Epiglottitis
- Inspiratory stridor
- Characteristic “rattle”
Management of Epiglottitis
- DO NOT attempt to visualize airway if child is ventilating adequately
- Administer 100% humidified O2 by mask or “blow-by” unless it provokes agitation
- Do not lay them down, place in position of comfort
- Do not attempt vascular access
- Immediate transport
- Advise medical direction of suspected epiglottitis
Viral infection of the medium-sized airways, occurring most frequently during the first year of life
Bronchiolitis
