Traffic light system for serious illness if paediatrics Flashcards
What broad parameters is the traffic light system based upon?
Colour
Activity
Breathing
Circulation and hydration
Other
A child falls into the red light in the traffic light system to identify children at risk of serious illness. What needs to be done?
Urgent face to face assessment with healthcare professional is needed within 2 hours.
A child falls into the amber light in the traffic light system to identify children at risk of serious illness. What needs to be done?
Face to face assessment required with urgency determined by clinical judgement.
A child falls into the green light in the traffic light system to identify children at risk of serious illness. What needs to be done?
Can be managed at home with appropriate advice and safety-netting
What features put a child into the high risk (red) for serious illness?
Colour - pale/mottled/ashen/blue
Activity - no response to social cues/weak, high-pitched or continuous cry/ not rousable
Breathing - grunting, RR >60, chest indrawing
Circulation/hydration - reduced skin turgor
Other - temp greater than or equal to 38 degrees celsius in child less than 3 months old/ non-blanching rash/ bulging fontanelle/ neck stiffness/ focal neurological signs/ focal seizures
What features put a child into the intermediate risk (amber) for serious illness?
Colour - pallor reported by parent
Activity - decreased activity, no smile, wakes only with prolonged stimulation
Breathing - nasal flaring, RR > 50 in 6-12 months, RR > 40 in >12 months, SATS <= 95%, crackles in chest
Circulation/ hydration - CRT >= 3secs, dry mucous membranes, poor feeding, reduced urine output, tachycardic
Other - temp greater than or equal to 39 degrees celsius in child 3-6 months old, fever for greater than or equal to 5 days, rigors, swelling of limb or joint, non-weight bearing limb/ not using limb
