Sick Child Flashcards
What is the commonest reason for acute illness in children?
Sepsis
What are some signs of sepsis?
- Lethargy
- Labile temperature
- Poor feeding
- Respiratory Distress
- Collapse
What is the management of Sepsis
- ABC
- Supportive
- Bloods
- Blood cultures
- Broad spectrum antibiotics
What is bronchiolitis?
An acute inflammatory injury of the bronchioles caused by a viral infection.
What are some signs of bronchiolitis
- Cough
- Fever
- Tachypnoea
- Wheeze
- Inspiratory crackles
- Cyanosis
What is croup?
Acute laryngotracheobronchitis, infection caused by a virus.
What are some signs of croup?
- Barking cough
- Stridor
- Hoarseness
What is the management of croup?
- Steroids
- Dexamethasone or prednisolone
What is asthma?
The irreversible airway obstruction with/without a cough, wheeze or dyspnoea
List the steps in asthma management?
- SABA
- Beclomethasone (Steroid)
- Montelukast
- Prednisolone
What pathogens can cause pneumonia?
Pneumococcus
Myoplasm
Haemophilus
Staphylococcus
What are some signs of pneumonia?
- Temperature
- Malaise
- Por feeding
- Cyanosis
- Grunting
What are some investigations if pneumonia is suspected?
- Consider CXR and sputum cultures
- Viral LRTI is more common than bacterial in children
What is the antibiotic of choice for pneumonia?
Amoxicillin
What is meningitis?
Infection of the brain’s surrounding membrane and spinal cord
What are the signs of meningitis?
- Stiff neck
- Fever
- Seizures
- Apnoea
- Bulging fontanelle
What is the management of meningitis?
IV ceftriaxone
What is encephalitis?
Inflammation of the brain, caused by bacterial and viral infections
What are some signs of encephalitis?
- Flu like
- Reduced consciousness
- Odd behaviour
- Vomiting
- Fits
Wha are febrile convulsions?
Symmetrical seizing lasting <15 minutes. Occurs due to rapidly rising temperature.
What does a blanching rash mean?
Temporary obstruction to blood flow, flow returns when pressure is removed.
What is Meningococal caused by?
Neisseria meningitidis
Does neisseria meningitidis cause a blanching or non-blanching rash?
Non-blanching rash
What is Steven Johnsons Syndrome?
Painful rash which results in blistering of the skin. Usually caused by reaction to drugs, systemic illness or infections.
What is Nikolsky sign?
Positive when skin rubs off
Negative when skin does not rub off
What is impetigo?
Highly contagious skin infection caused by staphylococcus aureus or streptococcal infections
