2: Poisoning and envenomation
Poisoning Background Poisoning during childhood occurs mainly among 1–3 year-olds and tends to follow the ingestion of one of a wide variety of agents improperly stored in the home. It…
9: Immunisation
Vaccination technique It is important to minimise anxiety, distress and pain associated with injected immunisations. Use age-appropriate pain-reduction techniques; refer to chapter 4, Pain, p. 61. These might include: –…
18: The death of a child
Before death Often the death of a child can be anticipated. Although hospital admission is frequently necessary, most children and families wish to spend as much time as possible at…
13: Constipation and continence
Chronic constipation Definition At least two of the following problems within the previous 8 weeks: <3 bowel motions/week. >1 episode of faecal incontinence per week. Large stools in the rectum…
17: Child abuse
Mandatory reporting In most states of Australia, medical practitioners are legally required to notify the relevant statutory authorities about children who have experienced, or are likely to experience, child abuse….
11: Common behavioural and developmental problems
Infant distress (‘colic’) A common research definition of colic is crying for >3 h per day, for ≥3 days per week for >3 weeks. However, parental tolerance of infant crying…
6: Nutrition
Breast-feeding Breast-feeding is the best means of feeding babies, and all efforts should be made to promote, encourage and maintain it. Exclusive breast-feeding is recommended for the first 6 months…
16: Child psychiatry
Approach to mental health problems Interview and assessment Each interview of a child and family should lead to an assessment and evaluation of the child (including their strengths and difficulties)…
15: Adolescent health
Clinical approach to adolescents Allowing adequate time is essential to the conduct of a successful consultation. Young people often perceive that they are not listened to or not given adequate…
10: Immigrant child health
Tuberculosis There are differences in the presentation, screening and diagnosis of TB in children and adolescents compared to adults. Definitions TB infection: Mycoplasma tuberculosis has been transmitted. Latent TB infection…
