Encountering The Pediatric Encountering The Pediatric PatientPatient

Encountering The Pediatric Encountering The Pediatric PatientPatient

Condell Medical CenterCondell Medical CenterEMS SystemEMS System

November 2008 ECRN CENovember 2008 ECRN CEModule IIIModule III

Site Code #10-7200E1208Site Code #10-7200E1208

Prepared by: Sharon Hopkins, RN,BSN, EMT-P

Objectives• Upon successful completion of this module, the ECRN

should be able to:– Review and understand the components of the

Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT)– Identify the difference between respiratory distress

and respiratory failure– Choose the appropriate EMS field medication & dose to

administer for a variety of conditions (Dextrose, Narcan, Albuterol, Valium, Epinephrine, Atropine, Adenosine, Versed, Benadryl)

– Calculate medication dosages given the patient’s weight

– Calculate the GCS given the pt’s responses

– Identify and appropriately state interventions for a variety of EKG rhythms specific to the pediatric population (VF, SVT, bradycardia)

– Successfully complete the 10 question quiz with a score of 80% or better

Pediatric Assessment Triangle - PAT

• Establishes a level of severity• Assists in determining urgency

for life support• Identifies key physiological

problems using observational & listening skills

General Assessment - PAT

• Performed when first approaching the child–Does not take the place of obtaining vital signs

Check appearanceEvaluate work of breathingAssess circulation to the skin

PAT - Appearance

• Reflects adequacy of:OxygenationVentilationBrain perfusionHomeostasisCNS function

Assessing Appearance• Evaluate as you cross the room and before you

touch the child:Muscle tone – can they sit up on own?

Mental status / interactivity levelConsolabilityEye contact or gaze – do they

watch you? Speech or cry

PAT - Breathing• Reflects adequacy of :

oxygenationVentilation

In children, work of breathing more accurate indicator of oxygenation & ventilation than respiratory rate or breath sounds (standards used in adults)

Assessing Breathing• Evaluate:

Body positionVisible movement of chest or abdominal

walls6-7 years-old & younger are primarily diaphragmatic (belly) breathers

Respiratory rate & effort Audible breath sounds

PAT - Circulation

•Reflects:Adequacy of cardiac output and perfusion of vital organs (core perfusion)

Assessing Circulation

• Evaluate skin color:Cyanosis reflects decreased oxygen levels in arterial blood

Cyanosis indicates vasoconstriction and respiratory failure

Trunk mottling indicates hypoxemia

Initial Assessment• Airway – is it open?• Breathing – how fast, effort being

used, is it adequate?• Circulation – what is the central

circulation status as well as peripheral?

• Disability – AVPU and GCS• Expose – to complete a hands-on examination

Priority Patients & Transport Decisions

• Decide what level of criticality this patient is

• EMS to decide if the patient must go to the closest emergency department or if they have time to honor the family request if their hospital is not the closest

Additional Assessment

• Includes:Focused historyPhysical exam

Toe to head approach in the very young (infants, toddlers, preschoolers)

Head to toe in the older childSAMPLE history

SAMPLE History

• S – signs & symptoms• A – allergies• M – medications including herbal and

over the counter (OTC)• P – past pertinent medical history• L – last oral intake (anything to eat or

drink including water) •E – events leading up to the incident

Assessment & Interventions

• Vital signs• Determine weight and age

• SaO2 reading preferably before & after O2 administration

• Cardiac monitor if applicable• Establish IV if indicated• Determine blood glucose if indicated •Reassess vital signs, SaO2, patient

condition

Detailed Physical Exam

•Information gathered builds on the findings of the initial assessment and focused exam

•Use the toe to head for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers

Putting It All Together• EMS is called to the scene for a

2 year-old who has fallen off the 2nd floor porch.

• The toddler landed in the grass• The toddler is unresponsive upon

EMS arrival; there is a laceration to the right forehead and the right arm

• is deformed

Putting It All Together - Mechanism of Injury

• Fall from height greater than 3 times the toddler’s height

• For this 2 year-old, the mechanism of injury indicates a Category I trauma patient based on mechanism of injury (fall from height) and level of consciousness (unresponsiveness)

General Impression For This 2 year-old

• Category I trauma patient with head & orthopedic injuries

• EMS Region X SOP’s to follow– Spinal immobilization– Care of the airway with anticipation for

need to be bagged or intubated– Hemorrhage control / interventions with

IV/IO access needing to be obtained– Cardiac monitoring– Determining blood glucose level

What’s The Difference?Respiratory distress

– The patient exhibits increased work of breathing but the patient is able to compensate for themselves •Increased respiratory effort in child who is

alert, irritable, anxious, and restless•Evident use of accessory muscles

– Intercostal retractions–Seesaw respirations (abdominal breathing)–Neck muscles straining

Respiratory failure– Energy reserves have been exhausted

and the patient cannot maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation (breathing)•Sleepy, intermittently combative or agitated child

•Heart rate usually bradycardic as a result of hypoxia

Respiratory Distress• Stridor• Grunting• Gurgling• Audible wheezing• Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate)• Mild tachycardia• Head bobbing• Abdominal breathing (normal < 6-7 years-

old)• Nasal flaring• Central cyanosis resolved with O2

Stridor•Harsh, high-pitched sound

heard on inspiration associated with upper airway obstruction

•Sounds like high-pitched crowing or “seal-bark” sound on inspiration

Grunting

• Compensatory mechanism to help maintain patency of small airways

• A short, low-pitched sound heard at the end of exhalation

• Patient trying to generate positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) by exhaling against a closed glottis

• Prolongs the period of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange

Nasal Flaring

Retractions

•A visible sign where the soft tissues sink in during inhalation

•Most notable are in the areas above the sternum or clavicle, over the sternum, and between the rib spaces

Respiratory Failure

• Decreased level of responsiveness or response to pain

• Decreased muscle tone• Inadequate respiratory rate, effort,

or chest excursion• Tachypnea with periods of

bradypnea slowing to agonal breathing

IV Access

• Peripheral access can be difficult to find in a child–More sub Q fat–Smaller targets –More fragile veins–Lack of our experience

Hint to Find Peds Veins

• Hold your penlight across the skin to reflect the veins

• Hold the penlight under the site to illuminate the veins

EMS IO Indications• Shock, arrest, or impending arrest• Unconscious/unresponsive to stimuli• 2 unsuccessful IV attempts or 90 second

duration• Peds needle used for 3 – 39 kg (up to 88

lbs) - Peds needle 15 G 5/8 (G same as adult, length is shorter)

EZ IO Landmarks

Proximal medial tibia• <39 kg (child) – tibial tuberosity often

difficult to palpate & if not palpated– Go 2 finger breadths below patella

and then on flat aspect of medial tibia• 40 kg (88 pounds or more)

– 1-2 finger breadths below patella (this is usually 1/2 (1 cm) distal to tibial tuberosity)

– 1 finger breadth medially from the tibial

– tuberosity

Tibialtuberosity

EZ IO Infusion• All patients need to have the IO

flushed prior to connecting the IV solution

• The primed extension tubing must be used with a syringe attached

• Only the syringe is removed after flushing in preparation to attaching IV fluid

• All IV bags need a pressure bag to• flow

EMS Altered Level of Consciousness SOP

• If blood glucose level is <60– < 1 year old – Dextrose 12.5% 4 ml/kg– > 1 -15 years old – Dextrose 25%

2 ml/kg

• If no IV/IO access– Glucagon 0.1 mg/kg IM

•Max dose up to 1 mg (max at adult dosage)

• If you suspect narcotic influence or as a diagnostic tool if blood sugar is okay or patient does not respond to Dextrose–Narcan EMS dosing

<20 kg = 0.1 mg/kg IVP/IO/IM>20 kg = 2 mg IVP/IO/IM•Max total dose is 2 mg

Dextrose

• The brain is a very sensitive organ to inadequate levels of glucose

• When the glucose levels drop the patient will have an altered level of consciousness

• If glucose levels reach a critically low level, the patient may have a seizure

Narcan• Useful to reverse the effects of

narcotics (respiratory depression and depression of the central nervous system)

• Morphine, hydromorphine (Dilaudid), oxycodone, Demerol, heroin, codeine, percodan, fentanyl, darvon, methadone

• Consider the children that get into other’s purses and have access to the medicine cabinet & other areas where drugs can be found

Calculation Practice

• Your 8 month-old patient weighs 17 pounds

• Which strength Dextrose should this patient receive by EMS and how much?

8 month-old

• < 1 year old receives Dextrose 12.5%– More diluted form for smaller, more fragile veins

• To receive 4 ml/kg– 17 pounds 2.2 = 7.7 kg (8kg)– Dextrose is 4 ml / kg

4 ml x 8 kg = 32 ml • How does EMS give 12.5% Dextrose when they carry 25% as their weakest dilution?

Drawing Up 12.5% Dextrose From D25%

• Use 25% and dilute 1:1 with sterile saline

• Calculate the total dosage required (ie: 32 ml)

• Half the syringe will be filled with 25% Dextrose and half the syringe will be filled with sterile saline

• 16 ml 25% Dextrose mixed with 16 ml sterile normal saline

• Administer in largest vein possible and at slowed rate– Extremely irritating to the veins

Narcan Calculation

• Your patient weighs 19 pounds

• <20 kg the patient is to get 0.1 mg/kg

• How much Narcan would be administered? Never give more than the adult dose!

Narcan for 19 Pound Infant

• 19 pounds 2.2 kg = 8.6 kg (9kg)• 9kg x 0.1 mg/kg = 0.9 mg• (You still need to know how many ml’s to put into

the syringe)

• What type of syringe would you use?–Under 1 ml use a TB syringe – much more accurate to draw up medications

Broselow Tape

• Often gives mg but not always the ml to fill the syringe with

• Mg helpful for accurate documentation• Holding a syringe, need to know how

many ml’s to draw up into syringe• Back of SOP’s has medical and cardiac

pediatric reference tables – Includes mg and ml of medications

GCS For Pediatric Patient

• Same tool used for the adult population with minor changes to accommodate the young non-verbal infant

• Most accommodations made in the verbal section

•Makes sense if this is for the non-verbal patient

GCS – Eye OpeningRemains the same as the adult:• 4 points if eyes open spontaneously

with or without focus• 3 points if eyes open or flutter to

command or noises/voice• 2 points if eyes open or eyelids flutter

to touch or painful stimuli• 1 point if eyes do not open

GCS – Peds Verbal Response

• 5 points if oriented (coos, babbles)• 4 points if cry is irritable• 3 points if the patient cries to pain• 2 points if there is some noise

response to pain (similar to moans & groans in the adult)

• 1 point if there is silence

GCS – Peds Motor Response

• 6 points if the patient moves appropriately• 5 points if the patient withdraws to touch• 4 points if the patient withdraws to pain• 3 points if there is abnormal flexion• 2 points if there is abnormal extension• 1 point if there is no movement/response of any kind

Acute Asthma

• Many patients will try to self medicate and may try for too long on their own before they call for help

• The patient can deteriorate fast once they fatigue and their respiratory muscles are exhausted

Why Albuterol?•Albuterol is a bronchodilator•Receptors are in the lungs•Opens up constricted bronchiole

passages•Albuterol also triggers receptors in

the heart and you may see an increase in heart

• rate

EMS Albuterol Dosing

• 2.5 mg/3 ml for all patients• The drug will be more successful

when the patient is coached through use of the nebulizer

• The drug only works if it is inhaled deeply into the lungs

•Short, shallow breaths will not help drug absorption

Nebulizer Delivery

• This route is most effective if there is someone “coaching” the patient during use– Have someone talk the patient through

the process•Verbal encouragement essential to

success– Encourage slower breaths for a few

ventilations– Then encourage the breaths to be a bit

deeper– Then encourage the deeper breaths to

be held a bit longer to get the drug down into the lungs

In-line Albuterol

• Any patient no longer able to take a deep breath or remain conscious needs this drug “forced” into the lungs

• The drug must be given in-line– Attach nebulizer to the BVM mask as you

start bagging the patient to get some drug into the lungs

– Once intubated, the ambu bag will continue to force the drug into the airway and down into the lungs

What Are the Risk Factors That Expose Kids To

Seizures?

• Fever – most common• Hypoxia• Infections• Electrolyte imbalance• Head trauma• Hypoglycemia• Toxic ingestions• Tumor

Status Epilepticus

•A series of one or more generalized seizures without any periods of consciousness

•Concern is with periods of prolonged apnea that can lead to hypoxia

Assessment of Seizures• ALWAYS obtain a glucose level if level

of consciousness is altered• Ask if there is a history of recent illness• Ask for description of the seizure

activity– Jerking of both sides of the body,

jerking limited to a particular part of the body, eye blinking, staring, lip smacking

EMS Seizure Intervention

• Support the airway– Consider BVM if active seizure

• To terminate current seizure– Valium 0.2 mg/kg IVP– No IV access, Valium rectally 0.5 mg/kg– Max total rectally 10 mg

• Remove extra clothing if febrile• Cool cloths over patient, fan patient• Shivering will increase body temp!

Valium Calculation

• Patient with active seizure• Patient weighs 26 pounds

– 26 # 2.2 = 11.8 KG (12 KG)• Valium is 0.2 mg/kg

– 12kg x 0.2 = 2.4 mg

• Where are your resources to use to check how many ml’s to pull up

• into the syringe?

Medication Resources• Back of SOP’s (Medical & Cardiac Pages)

– Meds by mg for documentation and by ml to draw up into the syringe

• Broselow tape 2007 Edition B– Legend gives the formula– Valium (diazepam) exact mg given under

each respective weight category•Careful!!! – Diazepam broken down by IV AND rectal so read columns carefully

Possible Causes of Critical Rhythms

• 6 H’s– Hypovolemia – fluid challenge

– Hypoxia – supplemental O2

– Acidosis – ventilate to blow off CO2

– Hyper/hypokalema– Hypothermia – warm core– Hypoglycemia – check glucose

level

• 5 T’s– Tablets – drug overdose– Tamponade – supportive care in

field– Tension pneumothorax – needle

decompression– Thrombosis, coronary or

pulmonary– Trauma

Peds VF or Pulseless VT• After 2 minutes of CPR if unwitnessed,

defibrillate 2j/kg or equivalent biphasic– AED can be used if >1 years old

• Immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes / 5 cycles– Rhythm checks after 2 minutes CPR

• Repeat defibrillate is at 4j/kg or equivalent biphasic

•Resume CPR after defibrillation •Establish IV/IO

VF/VT Peds Region X SOP

Meds given during CPR:• Epinephrine 1:10,000 0.01 mg/kg

IVP/IO– Repeat every 3-5 minutes

• Choose one antidysrhythmic to alternate with Epi– Amiodarone 5 mg/kg IVP/IO– Lidocaine 1 mg/kg IVP/IO– Repeat doses per Medical Control

order

Why Epinephrine?

•Epinephrine is a catecholamine and stimulant

•Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor to improve blood flow

•Before drug therapy, always assess/evaluate the status of oxygen delivery and effectiveness of ventilation

PEA/Asystole Peds Region X SOP

• Start CPR and run thru the H & T checklist

• Secure airway• Establish IV/IO

– Fluid challenge 20 ml/kg• Epinephrine 1:10,000 0.01 mg /kg IVP/IO

– Repeat every 3-5 minutes

– NO Atropine in SOP for peds!!!

Why No Atropine in Peds PEA, Asystole, or

Brady?• Atropine will probably not help

unless the patient has primary AV block and that is not likely in a young and healthy heart

• Improving oxygenation and ventilation are the primary treatments for pediatric bradycardia

Peds Symptomatic Brady

• Severe cardiorespiratory compromisePoor perfusionBradycardiaWeak, thready, absent pulseHypotensionPallorCyanosisRespiratory difficulty

Peds Brady EMS Region X SOP

• Heart rate <60 & poor systemic perfusion – perform CPR

• IV/IO access• Epinephrine 1:10,000 0.01 mg/kg IVP/IO

– Repeat every 3-5 minutes• If persistent brady, contact Medical

control for order of Atropine– Atropine if ordered: 0.02 mg/kg

(minimum dose to give 0.1 mg) IVP/IO– May repeat Atropine x1– Max dose 1 mg– Consider pacing

Peds Shock EMS Region X SOP

• Hypovolemic or distributive shock– IV fluid challenge 20 ml/kg

• If no response repeat 20 ml/kg up to 60 ml/kg (ie: total 3 challenges)

• No fluid challenge for peds in cardiogenic shock

Peds Tachycardia

Bradydysrhythmias are more common in peds patients than tachycardias

• Sinus Tachycardia– Heart rates in infants are under

220 and in children under 180– No drug therapy indicated– Search for possible causes

Probable Supraventricular Tachycardia

• Narrow complex tachycardia greater than 220 in infants and greater than 180 in a child

• Typically due to a problem in the cardiac conduction system

• Rapid heart rates prevent adequate ventricular filling that can lead to

• CHF and cardiogenic shock

Signs & Symptoms SVT

• Irritability• Poor feeding• JVD• Hepatomegaly – enlarged liver• Hypotension• Children can often tolerate the

rapid rate fairly well

EMS Treatment SVT with Adequate OR Poor Perfusion• Vagal maneuvers

– If a straw is available, have child blow thru one

• Adenosine 0.1 mg/kg rapid IVP followed by 5 ml rapid saline flush

• Max 1st dose is 6 mg (max at adult dose)• Repeat dose if needed is 0.2 mg/kg with• 5 ml saline flush• Max 2nd dose is 12 mg (adult dose)

Cardioversion for No Response to Adenosine or

For Probable VT

• Sedate with Versed 0.1 mg/kg IVP slowly over 2 minutes

• Cardioversion at 1 j/kg• If no response, cardiovert at 2

j/kg

Why Versed?• Amnesic• Relaxes patient• Shorter acting than Valium• Does NOT take away pain!• Can cause respiratory depression

–Have BVM reached & ready whenever Versed or Valium are given in case the patient needs ventilation support

Probable VT with Poor Perfusion

• No time to allow drugs to work to slow or convert rhythm

• Need to be more aggressive• Cardiovert the patient

– 1st attempt 1 j/kg– 2nd attempt if needed 2 j/kg

• If no response to cardioversion, contact Medical Control for possible

• Amiodarone or Lidocaine order

Allergic Reactions – Is Response Life Saving or

A Killer?• The body’s immune response to an antigen tries to

eliminate the antigen (foreign material) from the body– Bronchospasm – so no more offending antigen can

enter the respiratory tract– Coughing – to expel the antigen– Leaky capillaries – remove antigen from the blood

stream and place it into the interstitial tissue for removal via lymph

system– Vomiting & diarrhea – remove antigen from GI tract

Antigen Exposure & Histamine Release

• Increased capillary permeability– 3rd spacing (intravascular fluid into

interstitial space)•Edema•Relative hypovolemia

• Peripheral vasodilation– ↓ peripheral vascular resistance (↓

B/P)• Smooth muscle constriction

– Abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea– Bronchoconstriction & laryngeal edema

Is it an Allergic Reaction or

Anaphylaxis?• Anaphylaxis is the more severe response

of the two– Usually occurs when a patient is exposed to a

specific allergen, especially injected directly into the circulation

• Anaphylaxis principally affects the cardiovascular, respiratory, GI systems and the skin

• Faster the reaction, usually the more severe the reaction is

• In anaphylaxis, the patient will be• hypotensive (ominous sign)

Why Epinephrine 1:1000 For An Immune

Response?

• Stimulates certain receptors in the body (alpha & beta receptors)– Constricts blood vessels to help

counter vasodilation effects of anaphylaxis (alpha affect)

– Opens up airways by reversing bronchospasm of anaphylaxis (beta affect)

– Max dose calculated at adult dose (0.3ml)!

What Does Epinephrine Do?

• Primary drug used in reactions• Increases heart rate• Increases strength of cardiac

contractions• Causes peripheral vasoconstriction• Can reverse bronchospasm• Can reverse capillary permeability• Effects short term

Why Benadryl For Immune Response?

• Antihistamines are the 2nd line agents to give in reactions

• Antihistamines block the effects of histamine released in the body by blocking histamine receptors

• Duration of action is 6-12 hours so anticipate rebound if the patient has not filled a prescription to continue

taking the antihistamine •Max dose given is at adult dosing

EMS Benadryl Dosing• Epinephrine is 1st line drug if applicable• Stable allergic reaction no airway involvement

– Benadryl 1 mg/kg slow IVP or IM– Max 25 mg (adult dose)

• Stable allergic reaction with airway involvement– Benadryl 1 mg/kg slow IVP– Max 50 mg (adult dose)

• Anaphylactic shock - Benadryl 1 mg/kg slow IVP - Max 50 mg (adult dose)

Practice Calculating the GCS

• Remember to use the “PEDS” alternative values when the patient is non-verbal

• If the patient is old enough to talk, follow the adult prompts to calculate the GCS

GCS Calculation #1

• Patient is 7 months old• Eyes are open but do not focus

or follow activities• The infant has an irritable cry• The infant pulls their arms in

when the IV stick is attempted

GCS Calculation #2

• Patient is 3 years-old• Eyes flutter open when the

patient is yelled at• The toddler cries after the

injured extremity is manipulated• The toddler pulls back when the

injured extremity is manipulated

GCS Calculation #3

• Patient is 5 months-old• Eyes flutter open when the

deformed extremity is manipulated

• The patient moans when the injured extremity is manipulated

• The patient pulls up their extremities tightly into their chest when touched (flexion)

GCS Calculation #4

• Patient is 5 years-old• Patient is watching your movement• Patient is using repetitive words

and is confused• Patient pushes your hands away when you touch them

GCS Calculation Answers 1 & 2

• Pt #1 – GCS 12Eye opening – 4 (spontaneous)Verbal – 4 (irritable cry)Motor 4 – (withdraws to pain)

• Pt #2 – GCS 10Eye opening -3 (eyes open to

voice)– Verbal – 3 (cries to pain)– Motor – 4 (withdraws to pain)

GCS Calculation Answers 3 & 4

• Pt #3 – 7– Eye opening – 2 (eyes flutter to pain)– Verbal – 2 (moaning is an

incomprehensible word/sound)– Motor – 3 (flexes extremities into chest)

• Pt #4 – 13– Eye opening – 4 (spontaneous)– Verbal – 4 (repetitive words / confused)– Motor – 5 ( pushes hands

away/purposeful)

Scenarios

• Read the following case studies• Determine your general

impression based on the pediatric assessment triangle (PAT)

• Determine interventions appropriate to the situation

Case Study #1

• EMS is at a local high school track meet when a 12 year-old boy collapses while running the 100-yard dash. Initial assessment reveals the child is apneic and pulseless. CPR is started immediately

• What are the next appropriate steps to take?

• Can an AED be used on a 12 year-old?

Case Study #1• AED’s can be used in patients over

1 years-old– Use the child pads for 1 – 8 year olds– If no child pads available, use adult pads– Cannot use child pads though on the

adult• CPR for 12 year-old is adult standards

• CPR 1 person infant & child (1-8 years-old per AHA) is 30:2; 2 person is 15:2; once

intubated ventilations are delivered once every 6-8 seconds

Case Study #1• Attach a monitor as soon as

possible• Stop CPR (witnessed arrest) as

soon as monitor applied & ready• What’s the rhythm & treatment?

Case Study #1

• Rhythm: Torsades– Most likely this young athlete has long

QT syndrome (conduction defect) that makes them prone to arrest during physical exertion

• Treat like VF (follow Region x SOP for EMS)– Defibrillate 1st at 2j/kg (peds pt <15)– Repeat defibrillations at 4j/kg– Epinephrine 1:10,000 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO

•Repeat every 3-5 minutes •Choose one antidysrhythmic

(Amiodarone or Lidocaine; one dose)

Case Study #2• A 2 year-old at preschool fell from a sitting

position and the teacher witnessed jerking of the arms and legs that lasted for 1-2 minutes. Parent told teacher the child was not feeling well during the night.

• On arrival, the child is drowsy, will open their eyes to voice but does not answer questions, moans & withdraws when touched.

• VS: B/P 110/58; HR 100; RR 30; skin warm to the touch

• What is your impression based on the assessment triangle?

• What is the GCS?

Case Study #2• Patient appears physiologically stable

– Drowsy, no extra effort or noise for breathing, skin pink and warm

– GCS 10 (3, 2, 5) (currently post-ictal)• Initial impression is febrile seizure (no

history trauma, history of being ill last night, feels warms to touch)

• Field treatment limited to cooling measures – Remove extra clothing, cool cloths on

forehead • Reevaluate GCS watching for improvement as level of consciousness improves

Case Study #2 - Is Valium Indicated Now?

• No active seizure currently, so no drug• Valium stops the current seizure but

does not prevent future seizures• Valium indicated if multiple seizures

occur or seizure lasts longer than a few minutes

• Long lasting seizure can cause hypoxia• Side effects of valium are respiratory depression

Case Study #3

• You are on the scene for an 18 month-old child who is having difficult breathing

• The mother states a 2 day hx of slight fever and wheezing esp when crying

• Pt suddenly woke tonight short of breath with loud noises on inhalation

• Child sitting on mother’s lap, anxious, watches you and cries weakly when you

approach

Case Study #3

• Color pink, has retractions with nasal flaring

• HR 180; RR 42• Strong pulses, cap refill 2 seconds• Loud, harsh breath sounds

bilaterally

Case Study #3• How sick is this child?

– PAT (pediatric assessment triangle)•Evaluate appearance, work of breathing, & circulation to skin

• What is your general impression?– Do you think this is an upper or

lower airway problem?• •How should you care for this child in the field?

Case Study #3• PAT: makes eye contact & cries when

EMS approaches; exhibiting stridor & increased work of breathing; skin pink & warm

• This child is in respiratory distress, not failure, with an upper airway problem– Stridor indicates upper airway

obstruction and history of a few days of respiratory infection is consistent with croup

Case Study #3

• Management upper airway obstruction based on severity of symptoms–Position of comfort – usually best to leave child sitting upright

–O2 – best if humidified

•Can humidified O2 be given in the field? Yes!

Humidified Oxygenation in the

Field• Place 6 ml normal saline into the

nebulizer• Finish assembling the nebulizer• Connect tubing to the O2 source• Turn up the liter flow to generate

a flow of mist• Aim the mist near the child’s face• Helpful for croup & epiglottitis

Case Study #3• If wheezing, EMS gives Albuterol 2.5 mg

–Used as bronchodilator–FYI: Research indicates Albuterol does not have much affect in croup

• Place Albuterol into nebulizer• Place nebulizer mask over patient’s face

if child too small to place lips around mouthpiece or direct mist near child’s face

Case Study #4

• 911 called to the scene for a 3-month old who has had 3 days of cough, runny nose & low-grade fever.

• Caregiver concerned because the child is working harder to breathe and having hard time feeding

• Child is in caregiver’s lap •Child is sleepy, no eye

contact or response to the exam

Case Study #4

• Child limp, audible wheezing, deep retractions, nasal flaring, skin mottled, diaphoretic

• VS: HR 180; RR 70; SaO2 on room air 74%

• Breath sounds: tight with only fair air movement with high-pitched inspiratory & expiratory wheezes

Case Study #4

• Is this child in respiratory distress or respiratory failure?

• What is your general impression?

• What do you need to do to manage this patient?

Case Study #4• You note increased work of breathing,

abnormal appearance, and poor circulation• This patient is in respiratory failure• With the wheezing, the problem is most

likely a lower airway obstruction– Most likely bronchiolitis (inflammation of

the bronchioles often caused by RSV – a viral infection)

Case Study #4• Rapid and urgent transport• This patient most likely does not have an

easily reversible respiratory problem and is likely to deteriorate further

• Enroute EMS to administer a bronchodilator (Albuterol) via nebulizer via mask (won’t be able to

put mouth around mouthpiece)

Case Study #4

• Respiratory status monitored closely– If decreased respiratory effort or slowing

of the rate, support with BVM considered using a slow rate and long expiratory time

• AHA ventilatory rate for rescue breathing infant < 1 & child < 8 – 1 breath every 3-5 seconds (12 – 20

breaths per minute)– Give each breath over 1 second

Case Study #5• EMS is called to the scene for an

unresponsive 3 year-old child• There are no abnormal airway sounds• Patient is pale & slightly diaphoretic• VS: B/P 80/60; HR 160; RR 20• Pupils small, slow to react• Withdraws from pain & moans •Was playful before his nap and appeared healthy

Case Study #5

• What is your general assessment?

• What is the GCS?• What other assessments need

to be done?• What interventions are needed?

Case Study #5• This patient is critical: unresponsive,

no abnormal appearance for work of breathing, pale & diaphoretic & tachycardic

• GCS - 7– Eye opening – 1 (none)– Verbal response – 2 (moans)– Motor response – 4 – (withdraws)

• Need to obtain glucose level (40)• Keep airway open, supplemental O2, establish IV access •Needs D25% 2 ml/kg slow IVP

Case Study #5

• Calculating & administrating Dextrose–D25% ages 1 – 15 is 2 ml/kg–This 3 year-old weighs 29 pounds–How much D25% do you administer?

–Where are your resources to– find the information?

Case Study #5• Check the back of the SOP’s• Check the Broselow tape• Divide pounds by 2.2 to determine kg

– 29 2.2 = 13 kg• Multiply kg by the formula (2 ml/kg)

– 13 kg x 2 ml/kg = 26 ml D25%• D25% is packaged in 10 ml prefilled

syringe• Administer IV dose slowly to• minimize vein irritation from the med

Case Study #6• You run the call:

– EMS has a 6 year-old who was found listless with a GCS of 9

– The monitor shows:

– What’s the rhythm? – What do you do?

Case Study #7

• Pediatric bradycardia is a hypoxia problem until proven otherwise

• CPR started with attention to ventilation

• IV or IO access established • What drug therapy is necessary for the pediatric symptomatic

bradycardia?

Case Study #7• EZ IO landmarks

– 2 fingerbreadths down from patella over tibial tuberosity

– 1 fingerbreadth toward medial surface away from tibial tuberosity

• Peds bradycardia treatment– Epinephrine 1:10,000 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO– Repeated every 3-5 minutes– Persistent , Medical Control would need to order Atropine

Bibliography• Aehlert, B. PALS Study Guide. Elsevier. 2007.• American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatric

Education for Prehospital Professionals. 2nd edition. Jones & Bartlett. 2006.

• Rahm, S. Pediatric Case Studies for the Paramedic. AAOS. 2006.

• Region X SOP’s. Amended 1/08.• www.peds.umn.edu/.../teaching/lung/ stridor.jpg