Pediatric Emergencies Chapter 30

Pediatric Emergencies List and describe the anatomical and physiological differences between children and adults List and describe six stages of growth and development List the normal range of vital signs for each pediatric age group Understand and be able to incorporate communication tips and techniques for assessing and interacting with a pediatric patient Describe the signs and symptoms of respiratory distress and failure in a child List and describe the signs/symptoms of various pediatric disorders List the most common cause of cardiac arrest in pediatric patients List common causes of seizures in pediatric patients List five indicators of potential child abuse and neglect Define sudden infant death syndrome Describe and demonstrate how to assess a pediatric patient, using the pediatric assessment triangle Describe and demonstrate how to manage common pediatric illnesses and injuries

Anatomy and Physiology Children are not miniature adults!!!!! Most important differences: Size of airway Mechanism of breathing A child’s head is proportionally larger and heavier Bones and ligaments are softer/more flexible

Human Growth and Development 6 Stages The stage a pediatric patient is in will often influence how you treat them

Newborn Stage Begins at birth and spans first 28 days of life

Infancy Months 2 through 12

Toddler Stage 12 months to 36 months

Preschool Period Ages 3-5 years

School Age Period 6 years to 12 years

Adolescence Ages

Common Pediatric Illnesses and Injuries Airway Problems – Croup – Tonsillitis – Foreign-Body Airway Obstruction – Bronchitis – Pneumonia – Asthma – Epiglottitis

Common Pediatric Illnesses and Injuries Respiratory Failure and Cardiac Arrest Abdominal Pain Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea Seizures Meningitis Poisoning

Common Pediatric Illnesses and Injuries Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Trauma Burns and Electrocutions Child Abuse and Neglect Shock

Assessment Follow same steps as for adults Modify assessment based on age and level of development of the patient Remember: heart and respiration rate may change rapidly, metabolic compensation may make child seem stable when they aren’t Gain consent for anyone under 18

Assessment Helpful methods of assessing a child: – Pediatric Assessment Triangle – Asking questions such as: Is the child active and moving about or instad sits still and quiet? Does the child make eye contact? Does the child appear irritable or agitated? Does the child respond to the caregivers voice?

Assessment Monitor ABCDs frequently For small children information in the SAMPLE will most likely come from parent/caregiver Approach children slowly, be friendly, explain everything and make them feel comfortable