Replacement of a Tracheostomy Cannula
Replacement of a Tracheostomy Cannula Jean Marie Kallis Introduction Replacing a tracheostomy cannula is typically a routine and simple procedure. Parents of children with tracheostomies perform this task on a…
Suctioning the Trachea
Suctioning the Trachea Mary E. Lacher Introduction Suctioning is a technique used to maintain airway patency by removing pulmonary secretions, blood, vomitus, saliva, or other foreign material. Removal of these…
Use of Metered Dose Inhalers, Spacers, Dry Powder Inhalers, and Nebulizers
Use of Metered Dose Inhalers, Spacers, Dry Powder Inhalers, and Nebulizers Morton E. Salomon Frank A. Illuzzi Introduction Respiratory diseases such as asthma, croup, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are among…
Peak Flow Rate Measurement
Peak Flow Rate Measurement Niranjan Kissoon Introduction Peak expiratory flow is the greatest flow that can be obtained during a forced expiration starting from full inflation of the lung (i.e.,…
End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Monitoring
End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Javier A. Gonzalez del Rey Introduction Measurement of variations in the respiratory cycle of expired carbon dioxide (CO2) by displayed waveform and by absolute numerical values…
Use of Pulse Oximetry
Use of Pulse Oximetry Ronnie S. Fuerst Introduction The pulse oximeter, an electronic monitor used to noninvasively measure arterial oxygen saturation, is standard equipment in the emergency department (ED) and…
Accessing Indwelling Central Lines
Accessing Indwelling Central Lines Susan M. Fuchs Introduction In children, numerous illnesses exist that require long-term parenteral pharmacologic or nutritional therapy and repetitive blood drawing. Several long-term central venous access…
Venipuncture and Peripheral Venous Access
Venipuncture and Peripheral Venous Access Mananda S. Bhende Mioara D. Manole Introduction Venipuncture and peripheral venous access remain two of the most common yet most challenging procedures in pediatric medical…
Arterial Puncture and Catheterization
Arterial Puncture and Catheterization Susan B. Torrey Richard A. Saladino Introduction Arterial blood sampling is necessary in the evaluation and management of many seriously ill or injured children (1,2). Precise…
The Electrocardiogram in Infants and Children
The Electrocardiogram in Infants and Children Srikant B. Iyer Introduction The surface electrocardiogram (ECG) remains an efficient and inexpensive aid in the initial and emergent evaluation of dysrhythmias, conduction disturbances,…
