4: Pain management
Assessment of acute pain Pain scores are important! They are the fi fth vital sign on patients’ observation charts. Pain assessment includes a combination of the following: History Including site,…
19: Allergy and immunology
Allergic diseases Allergic disease is an increasingly common problem in the community, affecting up to 40% of children. The allergic conditions include asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis and allergies to food,…
39: Prescribing for children
Drug choice and dose There are many issues that influence drug choice and dose in paediatric practice. Pharmacokinetic parameters change with age and dosage regimens need to take into account…
37: Rheumatologic conditions
Evaluation of arthritis/arthralgia History Check the nature of onset – is it acute or insidious? Acute onset monoarticular arthritis associated with fever is septic until proved otherwise. Check the timing…
1: Medical emergencies
Cardiorespiratory arrest Cardiorespiratory arrest may occur in a wide variety of conditions that cause hypoxaemia or hypotension, or both. Examples include trauma, drowning, septicaemia, sudden infant death syndrome, asthma and…
25: Endocrine conditions
Type 1 diabetes mellitus Diagnosis Diagnosis is made by either: Random blood glucose >11 mmol/L, or Fasting blood glucose >7 mmol/L. Note: There is no need for oral glucose tolerance…
23: Dermatologic conditions
Vesiculobullous rashes Vesicles are usually caused by infections (herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), enterovirus, tinea, scabies or impetigo) or contact dermatitis. Also, consider drug reactions and erythema…
14: Developmental delay and disability
Developmental surveillance Developmental surveillance is a flexible continuous process of skilled observation as part of providing routine health care. It should occur opportunistically whenever a child comes into contact with…
12: Sleep problems
Sleep physiology Sleep is a major challenge to the respiratory system, because it causes changes in respiratory mechanics and control of breathing leading to: Decreased ventilation. Decreased functional respiratory capacity…
24: Ear, nose and throat conditions
Upper respiratory tract infections The average child has 4–12 upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) a year, the peak incidence being between 1 and 6 years. Risk factors include exposure to…
