Peds Fevers

Question 1

Define a fever in peds

Answer 1

> 100.4 on rectal temp

Question 2

List some common physiologic manifestations of a fever in kids

Answer 2

• flushing
• decreased activity
• decreased appetite
• lethargy, irritability
• increased RR & HR

Question 3

List some high risk patients to consider in the context of pediatric fever

Answer 3

• CHD
• pulmonary conditions
• cancer
• T1DM
• juvenile RA

Question 4

What is the most common pathogen causing symptoms in a febrile infant younger than 90 days

Answer 4

E coli

Question 5

List some common causes of fever

Answer 5

• sunburn
• lyme
• malignancy
• perinatal herpes
• drug reactions

Question 6

List some uncommon causes of fever

Answer 6

• Kawasaki
• meningococcemia
• Rickettsial diseases
• TSS
• parasites

Question 7

Describe the components of a workup for fever in a child younger than 90 days

Answer 7

• CBC
• UA (cath specimen)
• BMP
• consider LP if meningeal signs are present

(consider only CBC if older than 90 days, as well as RSV, & relevant imaging)

Question 8

Describe the management of fever in pediatric cases

Answer 8

• doesn’t always need to be treated
• APAP: for infants at least 12 lbs (dose 10-15 mg/kg Q 4-6 hrs)
• Ibuprofen: for infants at least 6 mos old, always take with food (dose 10 mg/kg Q 6-8 hrs)
• stay hydrated