Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a significant anatomical difference in infants compared to adults that may affect their breathing?
What is a significant anatomical difference in infants compared to adults that may affect their breathing?
What physiological sign indicates serious respiratory compromise in infants?
What physiological sign indicates serious respiratory compromise in infants?
Which of the following is NOT a sign of deterioration in an unwell infant or child?
Which of the following is NOT a sign of deterioration in an unwell infant or child?
What is a notable characteristic of the infant airway that increases the risk of obstruction?
What is a notable characteristic of the infant airway that increases the risk of obstruction?
Signup and view all the answers
What does mottling in the skin of an infant typically indicate?
What does mottling in the skin of an infant typically indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
In assessing circulation to the skin of an infant, what would pallor indicate?
In assessing circulation to the skin of an infant, what would pallor indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be included in the primary survey for a child?
What should be included in the primary survey for a child?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of checking breathing and circulation during the paediatric primary survey?
What is the primary purpose of checking breathing and circulation during the paediatric primary survey?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following respiratory rates is considered abnormal for a child aged 2-5 years?
Which of the following respiratory rates is considered abnormal for a child aged 2-5 years?
Signup and view all the answers
Asthma is very common in infants under 5 years old.
Asthma is very common in infants under 5 years old.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the normal range for PaC0₂ in kPA?
What is the normal range for PaC0₂ in kPA?
Signup and view all the answers
Hypotension in adults is defined as a blood pressure less than ____.
Hypotension in adults is defined as a blood pressure less than ____.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following clinical signs with their corresponding age group:
Match the following clinical signs with their corresponding age group:
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary cause of bronchiolitis in infants?
What is the primary cause of bronchiolitis in infants?
Signup and view all the answers
The symptoms of bronchiolitis usually peak after 72 hours.
The symptoms of bronchiolitis usually peak after 72 hours.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the peak age range for infants affected by bronchiolitis?
What is the peak age range for infants affected by bronchiolitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Bronchiolitis is an infection that primarily affects the __________.
Bronchiolitis is an infection that primarily affects the __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis with their descriptions:
Match the signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Anatomy of an Infant Airway
- Infants have large heads; their heads are two-thirds the size of an adult head.
- Infants have a large tongue in proportion to the size of their mouth.
- Infants are nasal breathers up until six months of age, meaning they breathe through their nose.
- Infants have small nostrils that can easily become blocked by mucus, leading to serious respiratory distress.
- Loose teeth in infants can cause a foreign body airway obstruction because their airways are much smaller than an adult's.
Recognizing Airway Difficulty
- Signs of respiratory distress include the following:
- A prominent occiput (the back of the head)
- A small face
- Narrow nostrils
- Recession, or a "pulling in" of the skin during inspiration.
Assessing Circulation: PAT & Colour
- PAT refers to Pulse, Appearance, and Temperature when assessing circulation.
- Pallor, a pale or white color of the skin, can indicate blood is being shunted away from the skin.
- Cyanosis, a blue discoloration of the skin, indicates inadequate oxygenation.
- Mottling, abnormal blood vessel tone in the hands and feet, causing patchy areas of pallor and cyanosis, is considered normal in infants under two months of age or when exposed to a cold environment.
Paediatric Primary Survey
- The paediatric primary survey uses the mnemonic "ABCDE":
- A: Airway - ensure the airway is patent.
- B: Breathing - check the respiratory rate for age.
- C: Circulation - assess pulse, capillary refill, and skin warmth for age.
- D: Disability - assess the child's mental status using AVPU (Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive) scale, pupil response, and blood sugar levels.
- E: Exposure - remove any clothing to fully assess the child.
- The paediatric primary survey should be completed in under 2 minutes.
Signs of Deterioration in Infants and Children
- Signs of deterioration include:
- Increased work of breathing (recession, increased respiratory rate)
- Cyanosis
- Bradycardia, a slow heart rate, which is a pre-terminal sign in a sick child.
- Altered mental status or drowsiness
- Hypo- or hypertonia (decreased or increased muscle tone)
- Dehydration or signs of shock
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Asthma
- Asthma is an acute inflammation of the airways
- It is characterized by wheezing, mucus plugging, hypoxia, and dehydration
- Asthma is rare in children under 5 years old
-
Respiratory Rate
- ≤ 40/min for ages 2-5 years
- ≤ 30/min for ages over 5 years
-
Respiratory Rate in Adults
-
40/min ages 2-5 years
-
30/min ages >5 years
-
25/min in adults
-
-
Other Signs of Worsening Asthma
- Hypotension
- Exhaustion
- Abnormal PaC0₂ (Normal range 4.6-6.0kPA)
Bronchiolitis
- Inflammation of the smallest airways in the lungs (bronchioles)
- Usually caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Often occurs in autumn and winter
- Most commonly seen in babies between 2-5 months old
- Often the first time a baby experiences wheezing
- Symptoms worsen in the first 72 hours before gradually improving
- Other household members may experience similar symptoms
Signs and Symptoms
- Reduced oxygen levels (SpO2)
- Increased breathing rate (RR)
- Chest indrawing (recession)
- Irregular breathing patterns
- Crackling sounds heard during inhalation (inspiratory crackles)
- Wheezing heard during exhalation (expiratory wheeze)
- Low-grade fever
- Possible pauses in breathing (apnoea)
Bronchiolitis Management
- Follow the DR ABCDE assessment and management protocol, with airway and breathing management being prioritized
- The primary focus is on providing respiratory support and ensuring adequate feeding and hydration
- Oxygen therapy is indicated when oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) are persistently below the target range
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers the anatomical features of the infant airway and how they differ from adults. It also includes signs of respiratory distress and the importance of assessing circulation using PAT. Understand the challenges faced in infant airway management to ensure effective care.
