Initial assessment assessment + Airways
What is the best way to get a child to trust you?
Engaging with their family first
What does ABCDE stand for in this case?
Airways, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Everything else (ENT + Temperature + Tummy upset + Blood glucose assessment)
What are the most common symptoms parents will seek help for?
Fever, Breathing problems, Rash, Fits, Dehydration, Abdominal pain and Head injury.
For a baby younger than three months, what temperature is considered a red flag?
Anything over 38ยบ
What is the CRT?
The capillary refill time
What is the first method used to assess a sick child's general health?
The paediatric assessment triangle (PAT).
When do you do an ENT assessment on a child?
Always.
What is the most common cause of breathing difficulties in children?
Viral infections
What makes a rash a red flag?
If a rash does not blanch, it becomes a red flag
What are normal CRTs?
Anything under 3 seconds - if is over 5 seconds may indicate the need for urgent resuscitation.
What is a more thorough way of assessing a child to make sure you do not miss any signs or red flags?
The 3 minute tool kit - uses ABCDE system
What changes in the pupil would you look for? (4)
-Slow response
-Change in size
-Asymmetry
-Abnormal gaze
What is the most important thing when taking the history of a child that has had a fit?
Try to get an eye-witness to explain what happened, and a detailed account of the previous 24h to the event.
What is a red flag of skin colour?
It being:
-Pale
-Mottled
-Ashen
-Blue
How do you check the pulse for a baby under the age of 6 months?
You use the brachial pulse
What are two reasons why it is harder to diagnoses certain conditions in children?
- They may not be able to describe their symptoms properly, meaning you will be reliant on the parents.
- Many symptoms present in adults will be different in children (i.e. for urinary tract infections children may not present with pain during urination).
How can you listen to breath sounds of a child if they are crying?
Take advantage of the moment when the child is taking a breath in.
What is a petechiae or purpura rash?
Pink or purple dots - that can or cannot blanch
What are the two main red flags to be aware of in babies?
-Apnea in babies under 3 months
-Hypothermia
What is the main red flag to do with circulation?
A reduced skin turgor - if stays for over a second it is abnormal.
What is the most important thing to remember when assessing a child?
Check for their gag reflex - if it is present their airway is protected.
What is the best way to keep a child hydrated?
Giving them small and regular sips to drink
What is the most concerning sign that can indicate an unwell child?
A concerned parent - they know their child best!
What are the normal ranges for heart rate in infants?
100-160 beats/min.