Pediatric Pearls
The most common cause of cardiac arrest in pediatric patients.
What is respiratory arrest (or severe hypoxia)?
To prevent supine hypotensive syndrome, a pregnant patient in her third trimester should be transported in this position.
What is the left lateral recumbent position?
When communicating with a deaf patient who reads lips, you should employ this physical strategy.
What is face them directly (and speak clearly in normal lighting)?
A surgical opening in the neck to provide a direct airway, which may be hooked up to a home ventilator.
What is a tracheostomy?
The term "bariatric" refers to the medical management of this condition.
What is obesity?
The three components of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT), which is performed from across the room.
What are Appearance, Work of Breathing, and Circulation to the skin?
A life-threatening condition where the placenta prematurely tears away from the uterine wall, causing severe, tearing pain.
What is abruptio placentae?
A developmental disorder characterized by profound impairment of social interaction and communication; patients often rely on strict routines.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Tubes surgically placed to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain to the abdomen or heart.
What are shunts?
When placed flat on their back, bariatric patients are at a high risk for this airway complication due to the weight of their chest wall.
What is respiratory compromise (or severe hypoxia/apnea)?
A viral illness that causes swelling of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, characterized by a classic "seal-bark" cough.
What is Croup?
This stage of labor begins with the complete dilation of the cervix and ends with the delivery of the baby.
What is the second stage?
A disorder of movement, muscle tone, or posture that is caused by damage to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
A device implanted under the skin to regulate a dangerously slow or erratic heart rhythm.
What is a pacemaker?
Standard ambulance stretchers typically have a maximum weight limit in this range, requiring specialized bariatric units for heavier patients.
What is 650 to 700 pounds?
When assessing an infant's head, you notice the fontanelles (soft spots) are sunken. This is a primary indicator of this condition.
What is severe dehydration?
Seizures occurring during pregnancy or shortly after birth, typically stemming from severe pregnancy-induced hypertension.
What is eclampsia?
Service animals are legally permitted to accompany patients in the ambulance unless they do this.
What is interfere with patient care or safety?
Patients utilizing an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) to pump blood for their failing heart will typically lack this standard vital sign.
What is a palpable pulse (or a measurable blood pressure)?
Because adipose (fat) tissue has poor blood circulation, bariatric patients who are bedridden are highly susceptible to this skin complication.
What are pressure ulcers (bedsores)?
To determine the minimum normal systolic blood pressure for a child between 1 and 10 years old, you use this formula.
What is 70 + (2 x the child's age in years)?
The APGAR score, taken at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, assesses these five specific signs.
What are Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respirations?
Patients with Down Syndrome are more likely to have this anatomical airway challenge, making them prone to airway obstruction.
What is a disproportionately large tongue (macroglossia)?
A surgically implanted port, often called a Port-a-Cath, is typically placed in the chest to provide long-term access to this.
What is the central venous system (for chemotherapy/medications)?
Bariatric patients are at a statistically higher risk for developing this life-threatening blood clot in the lungs due to limited mobility.
What is a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?