Neglect and abuse
Overview Children are dependent on their carers for their physical, emotional and developmental needs, their supervision and safety. It is hard to understand that adults can harm children—yet this occurs…
PEDIATRICS
Visual and hearing impairment
html xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml”> 64 Visual and hearing impairment Visual Impairment A child is partially sighted if visual acuity is less than 6/18 and therefore educational aids such as large print books…
Living with a disability
Children with disabilities have complex health needs. Many of the issues described in Chapter 61 are relevant to families with a disabled child. It is important to appreciate the terminology…
Living with chronic illness
A chronic medical condition is defined as an illness that lasts longer than 3 months, and is sufficiently severe to interfere with a child’s ordinary activities. According to the UK…
Chronic diarrhoea
Toddler Diarrhoea Toddlers often experience non-specific diarrhoea, probably due to a rapid gastrocolic reflex. Features are drinking excessive fluids, particularly fruit juices, and food particles in the stool. The diagnosis…
The unconscious child
Coma A child who is deeply unconscious is said to be in coma. Encephalopathy refers to the precomatose state with an altered conscious level. An unconscious child requires urgent and…
Weight faltering and failure to thrive
Concern about growth is usually raised when: Weight is below the 2nd centile Height is below the 2nd centile Or when height or weight cross down two centiles. Growth and…
