Tiny Humans, Big Emergencies
A shorter and narrower one of these leads to increased risk of obstruction from foreign objects, swelling, or even a larger tongue
Airway
A telescoped intestine that causes pain, vomiting, and sometimes currant jelly stools in this condition
Intussusception
This occurs when the autonomic nervous system's receptors fail to trigger breathing efforts, resulting in a pause without any respiratory attempt
Central apnea
The ESI level assigned to a 7-day old that arrives in the arms of his father. Pt is floppy and minimally responsive. Pt is quickly noted to have a bulging fontanelle and a HR of 80.
ESI 1
A cardiac presentation that can be a sign of impending respiratory failure
bradycardia
In infants, this anatomical feature can cause a kink in the airway by displacing the neck in a flexed position leading to obstruction—unless a shoulder roll is used to align the airway properly.
Occiput
It is caused by Haemophilus influenzae and symptoms include drooling, stridor, and sitting in tripod position
Epiglottitis
An indicator of elevated risk of ALTE in a pediatric patient is if they've had a sibling who succumbed to this
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
This age group range is the highest risk red flag for a pediatric patient presenting with a fever
0-28 days
This is found to be normal in >50% of ATLE presenting patients and is required to be thorough.
Physical examination
This pediatric physiological difference increases the risk for infection
Immature immune system
Risk of tissue damage or loss is at stake if not addressed within 6 hours due to the obstruction of blood flow in this sudden onset condition
Testicular torsion
The ESI level assigned to a 10-year-old child that arrives with a 5 cm laceration on their forehead after falling from a swing. They are alert and oriented, and their vital signs are within normal limits, no LOC. The child is crying and upset about the injury.
ESI 3 or 4
Mild, moderate or vigorous may the be amount of this used to address an ALTE incident by the caregiver
Stimulation
This condition, due to a larger body surface area in pediatrics, can lead to lethargy, bradycardia, and even cardiac arrest if not promptly addressed
Hypothermia
When a child’s body has an overwhelming response to infection, leading to organ dysfunction. Early signs include fever, fast heart rate, and poor perfusion.
Sepsis
Duration of the ALTE episode is a part of this history obtaining category when completing an assessment
Event Characteristics
This ESI level is assigned to A 6-month-old infant that arrives with a history of vomiting and diarrhea for the past 24 hours. They are lethargic and have dry mucous membranes. Their respiratory rate is slightly elevated, but their oxygen saturation is 96%.
ESI 2
An anatomical difference in pediatric patients that can contribute to them remaining normotensive for a longer time despite significant blood loss
Increased circulating blood volume
The increase in this cellular function can lead to hypoglycemia due to increasing glucose needs and break down of minimal glycogen storage in the pediatric patient
This broad term describes ranging from irritability and confusion to lethargy or coma. Causes include but are not limited to trauma, infection, seizures, and toxic ingestions. Rapid assessment of airway, breathing, and glucose is key.
Altered mental status
Patients of this age group are an indicator of elevated risk of an ALTE
Infants younger than 1 month old
The ESI level assigned to a 2-year-old child that presents to the ED with a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) and is alert and playful. The child is breathing comfortably and has a heart rate of 120 bpm.
ESI 3
A lab diagnostic to be performed early on with signs and symptoms of altered level of consciousness
Glucose