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Early and accurate recognition of an acutely ill child is essential. Ideal for quick reference, this pocket-sized guide puts all the crucial information at your fingertips.



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Recognising the Acutely Ill Child: Recognising the Acutely Ill Child

INTRODUCTION: THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY

RECOGNITION OF ACUTE ILLNESS IN CHILDREN



KEY PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT

Standards for assessing and measuring physiological observations

Temperature

Pulse and respiration

Blood pressure

Recording physiological observations

The limitations of Early Warning Scores (EWS)

The importance of parental observations





CHILDREN ARE DIFFERENT FROM ADULTS

Pre-terminal signs

Anatomical and physiological differences between children and adults

A structured approach to assessment





ASSESSMENT OF AIRWAY (A)

Is the airway open?

Are there any added sounds which may indicate airway difficulties?

Airway adjuncts





ASSESSMENT OF BREATHING (B)

Effort of breathing

Efficacy of breathing

Effects of breathing inadequacy on other organs

Respiratory severity assessment

Oxygen delivery adjuncts





ASSESSMENT OF CIRCULATION (C)

Heart rate

Pulse volume

Pulse rhythm

Capillary refill time (CRT) and body temperature

Blood pressure

Recognising the shocked child

Classification and causes of shock

The three stages of shock

Meningococcal septicaemia: signs and symptoms

Recognising the dehydrated child

Calculation of fluid requirements





ASSESSMENT OF DISABILITY (D)

Rapid assessment of disability: AVPU

Posture

Pupils

Causes of raised intracranial pressure

Signs of raised intracranial pressure

Seizures

'Don't ever forget glucose': DEFG

Tips to promote accurate measurement and recording of neurological observations

Contraindications to performing a lumbar puncture





ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURE (E)

Rashes and bruising

Temperature





APPENDIXES

1 Physiological observations: normal ranges and estimation of weight formula

2 Paediatric SBAR tool

3 Basic life support - paediatric algorithm

4 Paediatric FBAO treatment algorithm





REFERENCES





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