Med-Math
There are two main ways to calculate a child's fluid needs. This method calculates the hourly fluid requirements by weight.
What is the 4/2/1 method?
As per policy requirements, this assessment involves checking the tubing, pump, and insertion site every hour. This is part of the hourly safety check.
What is an IV site to source assessment?
These are the three basic systems used to determine a patient's PEWS score.
What is behaviour, respiratory, and cardiovascular?
Babies are born with these to allow for molding through the birth canal. It also helps them compensate in the event of increased intracranial pressure. This one closes between 10 and 16 months.
What is the anterior fontanel?
This is a scale used to determine the patient's level of consciousness.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Some paediatric clients require round-the-clock IV fluid therapy. This is an equation to calculate their daily requirements.
What is the formula method?
This is an hourly visual assessment that is then documented on a flowsheet. It assesses patient safety and status. This is to be completed on all patients, regardless of if they have any specialty devices (e.g., tubes, drains, etc.).
What is a safety check?
What communication tool is used to communicate with other healthcare professionals in the event of a change in PEWS score?
What is SBAR?
During this developmental stage, this group is most likely to ask "why" questions.
What are preschoolers (3-5 years)?
During paediatric IV therapy, this leakage of fluid into interstitial spaces can cause tissue damage. Children are at greater risk for this complication.
What is infiltration?
A client who weighs 37kg is receiving fluid replacement therapy. Calculate their hourly fluid requirements using the 4/2/1 method.
What is 77 ml/hour?
As per the policy on fall prevention strategies, these two developmental stage groups are automatically considered high risk of falls due to their larger head and trunk size in relation to the rest of their body.
What are infants and toddlers?
The patient is showing a reduced response to pain, lethargy, and confusion. Based on this information, this is the PEWS score that they would receive within the behavioural category.
What is a PEWS score of 3?
Paediatric populations are able to compensate during shock much longer than adults. This is the last change in vital signs that shows signs of decompensation.
What is a change in blood pressure?
Younger children have small and narrow airways, which greatly increases the risk of this occurring.
What is choking/asphyxiation?
A client who weighs 31kg is receiving fluid replacement therapy. Calculate their daily fluid requirements using the formula method.
What is 1720 ml/day?
As per oxygen therapy policy, oxygen is not to be initiated if the SpO2 is equal to or above this percentage. This applies to paediatric patients with asthma or other respiratory illnesses as well as under regular circumstances.
What is an SpO2 of 92%?
Your client's PEWS score is between 5 and 13. This is who you must notify.
Who is the most responsible physician and paediatrician (if available)?
This type of shock is caused by the inability to produce adequate cardiac output despite normal intravascular volume and myocardial function. This can include pericardial tamponade, tension pneumothorax, or systemic hypertension.
What is irreversible/obstructive shock?
This is the type of PPE required for caring for a patient with COVID-19. This PPE includes gown, gloves, mask, and goggles.
What is droplet precautions?
A client who weighs 23kg requires a dose of cefotaxamine. The paediatric dose for cefotaxamine is 35-70 mg/kg q8h. Calculate the 24-hour dosage range for this client.
What is 2415-4830 mg/24 hours?
This method of medication administration is only used in critical care areas and in emergency situations. Adverse reactions can occur quickly and are hard to reverse.
What is IV push?
This is what is recommended if the client's PEWS score is above 3, the PEWS score increases by 2, or if the client's temperature is above 38 or less than 36 degrees Celsius.
What is the Sepsis Screening Tool?
Children and infants typically don't show signs of shock until they have lost this percentage of their circulating volume. This is due to their ability to compensate.
This form can be found in every patient's room. It is used to quickly calculate medication dosage based on the patient's weight and is part of the safety check.
What is the emergency drug sheet?