SIDS and ALTE Flashcards
ALTE
Apparent Life Threatening Event
Signs of ALTE
Apnea, choking, gagging-marked change in muscle tone Color change (pale or blue)
Age range for ALTE
Most cases between 2 and 3 months
Uncommon in children >2 years
Potential causes of ALTE
Cardiac dysrhythmias; congential heart disease Child abuse Gastroesophageal reflux Infections Metabolic disorders Respiratory compromise Neurologic compromise
General Assessment Triangle Components
Appearance
Work of Breathing
Circulation to skin
ABCDE
Airway Breathing Circulation Disability Exposure
SIDS potential etiology
Delayed development of respiratory control
Sleep apnea
Airway/circulatory compromise when prone
Hereditory
Demographics of SIDS
Rare under 1 monrh (1%) ad over 1 year of age
95% of cases under 1 year
88% of cases under 6 months
Peak incidence 2-4 months age
Risk factors for SIDS
Prematurity and low birth weight
Tobacco use during and after pregnancy
Young maternal age
Prone sleeping position
SIDS signs
Cold skin
Frothy or blood tinged fluid in the mouth and nose
Lividity or dark, reddish-blue mottling on the dependent side of the body
Normal hydration and nurition
Rigor mortis
Vomitus (uncommon)
When would you not transport a child to the hospital because it is a crime scene?
Postmortem lividity Rigor mortis Decapitation Incineration Evisceration of brain tissue