The Sick Child Flashcards
what do young children most commonyl present with acutely in comparison to teenagers?
infection compared to RTC
what is the most common reason for acute illness in children?
sepsis
respiratory/cardiac arrest is more common in children
respiratory
what are the survival rates for respiratory arrest in children compared with cardiac arrest
survival rate much lower in cardiac
when performing ABC assessment of sick child what should you never forget?
Glucose
when opening the airway what posn should the head be in for <1yr old?
neutral
if you tilt the neck backwards you can actually shut off the airway
what sign can be seen in young babies and children when assessing the effort of breathing?
subcostal/sternal recession
stridor is inspiratory/expiratory?
inspiratory stirdor
expiratory wheeze
is bp useful when assessing a sick child?
Not very- children are very good at maintaining high blood pressure until they crash
when does bp become worrying in a sick child?
Hypotension - preterminal sign
when there is poor perfusion what should be given?
fluids
what sign indicates a brainstem problem?
posture- decorticate/decerebrate
what method is best when assessing consciousness of a child?
AVPU
sepsis symtpoms in children
temperature
fast breathing
dry nappy
very sleepy
non-blanching rash
