Week 2 - Paediatric 2 Flashcards
Anatomy & Physiology - Airway of a paediatric:
- Small mandible
- Larger occiput - results in neck flexion when lying supine
- Preferential nose breathing until 4-6 months
- Small diameter of airways results in higher resistance to air flow & increased chance of airway obstruction
- Highly compliant trachea (risks ‘kinking’)
Anatomy & Physiology - Breathing of a paediatric:
- Alveoli less numerous and less mature
- Thin chest wall
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Fewer type 1 fibres in respiratory muscles
Anatomy & Physiology - Circulation of a paediatric:
- Higher metabolic demands
- Smaller vessels/more subcutaneous tissue
- Higher circulating blood volume/weight
- Bradycardia is often a result of hypoxia
What is a fontanelle?
An anatomical feature of the infant skull comprising any of the soft membranous gaps (sutures) between the cranial bones
What is pyloric stenosis?
A problem that affects babies between birth and 6 months of age and causes forceful vomiting that can lead to dehydration
Pathophysiology of pyloric stenosis:
Pyloric Stenosis occurs when the circular muscle of the pylorus thickens as a result of hypertrophy, which narrows the pyloric canal between the stomach and the duodenum
Clinical manifestations of pyloric stenosis:
- Vomiting
- Distended upper abdomen
- Readily palpable olive-shaped tumor in the epigastrium just to the right of the umbilicus
- Visible gastric peristaltic waves that move from left to right across the epigastrium
Treatment of pyloric stenosis:
Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy is the standard treatment to relieve the pyloric obstruction
Post op nursing care of pyloric stenosis:
- Monitor IV fluids and strict monitoring of intake and output, including any vomiting and the number and character of bowel actions
- Observation of vital signs
What is intussusception?
A condition that happens when part of the intestine folds into another section of the intestines resulting in obstruction
Risk factors of intussusception:
- Having had one previously
- Having a sibling with intussusception
- Having intestinal malrotation
Clinical manifestations of intussusception:
- Sudden acute abdominal pain
- Child is clearly distressed, screaming and drawing the knees onto the chest
- Child appearing normal and comfortable between episodes of pain
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Red-current coloured jelly like stools (stool mixed with blood and mucous)
- Tender, distended abdomen
- Palpable sausage-shaped mass in upper right quadrant
- Eventual fever and signs of peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum)
How is intussusception diagnosed?
- In children it may be felt during a rectal exam
- A definite diagnosis requires imaging (ultrasound, x-ray, CT) which can show ‘Bulls-Eye’, telescoped intestine on end
Pre/post op nursing care of intussusception:
- May require NGT insertion for bowel decompression before undergoing surgery and monitoring of all bowel actions/dirty nappies for blood
- Post procedural care may include maintenance of IV fluids, administration of antibiotics, pain assessment, obtaining vital signs, wound/dressing assessment and establishing when the return of bowel sounds and normal bowel action has occurred
What is gastroenteritis?
Inflammation of the digestive system secondary to viral or bacterial infection, parasites, chemicals or some drugs
Pathogens that can cause gastroenteritis:
- Rotavirus
- Norovirus
- Enterotoxigenic E.coli
Clinical manifestations of gastroenteritis:
- Sudden onset diarrhoea in children is almost synonymous with acute viral or bacterial gastroenteritis
- The child may say they feel unwell, have a fever, abdominal pain, and have minimal intake of food or fluids
- Vomiting can be common in the 24-48 hours before diarrhoea begins
- Diarrhoea can last up to 10 days
- Severe dehydration results from vomiting and diarrhoea
What is bronchiolitis?
A very common viral infection of the lower airways that occurs mostly in children under 2 year