Week 2 - E - Sick child 2 - Recognising the sick child

Question 1

What can cause circulatory failure?

Answer 1

Shock

Blood loss

Cardiac disease

Question 2

What is the first immediate step when assessing the sick child (who is unconscious)?

Answer 2

Airway
Breathing

Circulation

Dont forget glucose

Exposure

Question 3

How do you assess the airway?

Answer 3

Look to see if airway is patent

Question 4

Assessment of breathing

How do you check this?

Answer 4

Look for use of accessory muscles
Subcostal or intercostal or sternal recession

Pulse oximetry

Pallor

Question 5

How are airway and breathing managed?

Answer 5

Airway manoeuvres to open airway - tilt chin in children (head in neutral in infant as larynx is more anterior and superior)
Breathing - high flow oxygen

Question 6

What do you look for in the assessment of circulation? (what is the preterminal sign)

Answer 6

Cap refill
Pulse - volume, rhythm, character
Blood pressure

Hypotension is a preterminal sign

Question 7

If patient has low blood pressure what is given?

Answer 7

Give IV saline (0.9%)