Peds Emergencies Flashcards
what are the elements of the glasgow coma scale?
Eye opening (out of 4)
Best verbal response (out of 5)
Best Motor Response (out of 6)
–> score of three is a brick, 15 is best
ratings for Eye opening component of glasgow coma
spontaneous = 4
to speech = 3
to pain = 2
no response = 1
ratings for Best verbal response in GCS?
oriented - infant babbles/coos = 5 confused - infant cries irritable = 4 inappropriate - infant cries to pain = 3 incomprehensible - moans to pain = 2 no response = 1
ratings for best motor response in GCS?
obeys (moves purposefully) = 6
localizes (withdraws to touch) = 5
withdraws to pain = 4
abnormal flexion (decorticate posturing) = 3
abnormal extension (decerebrate posturing) = 2
no response = 1
bones involved in the basal skull and why to be concerned if head injury occurs here
Bones: sphenoid, temporal, occipital, ethmoid
concern: lots of vessels here, worry about foramen magnum
what should primary PE of head injury consist of
1) ABC (airway, breathing, circulation)
2) neuro status - glasgow coma
3) vital signs - cushings triad (wide pulse pressure, bradycardia, abnormal respirations)
Secondary PE of head injury should be..
check head/neck:
- CS alignment
- eye exam for papilledema indicating hydrocephaly
- hematomas (stepoffs, crepitus, fontanels)
- basilar skull fracture (battle sign, ecchymosis, hemotympanum, ear/nose CSF d/c)
check rest of body
How to dx head injury?
bedside US emerging, radiography min value, CT is best but high radiation (decide with PECARN, CHALICE, CHART)
young child fell on his head and experienced LOC followed by irritability, lethargy, bulging fontanelle and vomiting. Upon seeing him in the ED you immediately you order a CT exam. Results indicates diffuse blood spread in crescent shape. Dx? and what is the etiology? concern?
dx: subdural hematoma
etiology: tearing of VEINS resulting in low pressure bleed that separates arachnoid from dura.
concern: Bad bc crosses suture lines so blood can spread, swell –> death, coma, LT effects if not treated. Poor prognosis
Football player comes in with head injury. He had been tackled, briefly lost consciousness but seemed alright after a bit. What might the CT reveal? dx?
CT: elliptical shaped blood due to rupture of ARTERIES, skull fractures
dx: epidural hematoma
* does not cross suture lines but admit for obs bc deterioration with time
Pt has “worst headache ever” following head injury. Small dense slivers are noted on a CT exam. what are these slivers and what is your dx?
slivers are blood in sulci, fissures, blood in CSF due to injury to parenchymal and subarachnoid vessels
dx: subarachnoid hemorrhage
* may take time to evolve and be visible on CT
what is a concussion
trauma induced alt in mental status w/ or w/o LOC
*the direct force causes shearing of axons
what do you want to make sure to find out from witness of concussion?
mech of injury, LOC length, confusion/mental status, seizure or mvmt, concussion hx, substance use (ALWAYS CT if used substance)
PE for concussion:
complete neuro exam including GCS, CN II-XII
check every inch, focal neural findings take precedence so put in C collar then if no acute findings to treat, clear ALWAYS clear CS
Concussion sx. Continuing issues?
HA, fogginess should improve 7-10 days
- Post concussive syndrome if sx 3mth or more
- Second impact syndrome = 2nd concussion w/in weeks can lead to brain swelling, herniation (children at risk)
Tx concussion?
no same day return regardless, must be symptom free and eval by neurologist
rest brain and body (no cell phones, video games etc) and slow return to play
why are sprains (torn ligaments) less common in children as opposed to ends of long bones?
cartilaginous growth plate - physis!
Salter Harris Type I
epiphyseal separation through physis often appears normal
Salter Harris Type II
fracture through portion of physis but exiting across metaphysis (goes up) (most common growth plate fx expecially in older children)
salter harris Type III
fracture through physis exiting down into joint
salter harris type IV
fracture through metaphysis, physis, and epiphysis
IV = ALL!!!
Salter harris type V
crush injury to physis
V = COMPRESS/CRUSH
2 yr old pt is irritable and refuses to walk. Her radiograph reveals non-displaced spiral fx of tibia. Dx and what to be on the watch for
dx: toddler’s fracture (9mth to 3 yr)
suspicious of child abuse/non accidental injury
tx of open compound fx
splint/dress, IV antibio, ortho consul
tx open nondisplaced fx
PO antibiotic, repair laceration, splint, ortho FU
deformed/displaced fx tx?
make sure to check neurovascular structures, will require closed/open reduction, possible fixation (ortho ED consult)