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CASE HISTORY


Child 3 years old with short history of fever, shaking and generally unwell.


ED Triage assessment:
High temperature, he looks flushed, no rash, unwell child.


Ten minutes later– ED SHO:
Febrile child, listless, irritable and drowsy.
Temp 39.7, HR 170, RR 55.
Pyrexial and drowsy: ? cause, refer to paediatric team.


  help

QUESTIONS ON CASE 2


   Q 1 of 12: Adequate assessment?

Yes <incorrectNo

INCORRECT : Triage assessment incomplete, nevertheless achieved urgent referral to the doctor. ED SHO assessment incomplete: measured some vital signs, but circulation not thoroughly assessed - no observation of peripheral perfusion, O2 sats, BP. No examination of pupils. However, correctly identified need to refer child to paediatrics.
Further Information

The following clinical signs must be measured and recorded to complete a full assessment:

  • Temperature
  • Heart rate
  • Respiratory rate
  • Blood pressure

  • Capillary refill time or toe-core temperature gap

    Standard technique for measurement of CRT is to press for 5 seconds on a fingertip or toe, or on the centre of the sternum, and count the seconds it takes for colour to return. (Capillary refill shown here on dorsum of foot to facilitate capture on film.)
  • Oxygen saturation measurement (normal value is >95% in air)

  • Assessment of conscious level (AVPU)
  • Pupil size and reaction
  • If rash present record whether it is blanching, extent of rash, speed of development and whether it is petechial or purpuric (Petechial <2mm diameter, purpuric >=2mm diameter). Purpura are highly predictive of meningococcal disease and should be treated as an emergency, with immediate antibiotics and admission. Petechiae alone are less predictive, but must be taken very seriously and especially in combination with other features of septicaemia should provoke urgent action.


image
Full-blown non-blanching haemorrhagic rash*

Normal values of vital signs
Age HR/min RR/min Systolic BP
<1 110-160 30-40 70-90
1-2 100-150 25-35 80-95
2-5 95-140 25-30 80-100
5-12 80-120 20-25 90-110
Over 12 60-100 15-20 100-120

From Advanced Paediatric Life Support—the Practical Approach. 30


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