Pediatric Examination Techniques

A premature baby born before 37 weeks of gestation.

The process of building a positive and confident relationship with both the young patient and their parents.

Children have specific developmental stages and unique needs that differ significantly from adults.

A successful examination relies heavily on establishing trust with the child and their family.

Creating a positive experience for the child and family through effective communication and understanding.

In infants, the right lobe of the liver should not extend more than 1 cm below the costal margin.

In older infants and children, the right lobe of the liver should not extend below the right costal margin.

The upper limit for portal vein diameter in neonates is 3-5 mm.

The upper limit for portal vein diameter in children is 5-7 mm.

Sonography measurements are important for evaluating the size and function of the liver and other abdominal organs in children.

Examining the bladder helps visualize the pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

A condition where the bile ducts are blocked, leading to a buildup of bile in the liver. This can cause jaundice and liver damage.

Different sized transducers are needed to scan infants and children due to their diverse body sizes.

A cyst or bulge in the common bile duct, usually present at birth. It can cause problems with bile flow and lead to infection.

Maintaining a baby's temperature is crucial during ultrasound exams to prevent discomfort and reduce heat loss.

A condition where the pyloric muscle, at the end of the stomach, becomes thick and narrowed, causing the stomach to empty slowly. This leads to projectile vomiting in infants.

Inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch that extends from the colon. This can cause severe pain, fever, and nausea.

A full, comprehensive abdominal ultrasound is the preferred method for evaluating the neonatal and pediatric abdomen.

The pancreas size changes as children age.

A telescoping of one part of the intestine into another, which can block the passage of food.

The pancreas is an organ that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. It is located behind the stomach.

A procedure where the obstructed bile ducts are connected to the small intestine, bypassing the blockage, to allow bile to flow properly.

A small deposit of stool or hard, solid material in the bile ducts, often seen in newborns.

Ultrasound is a safe and effective imaging technique for viewing the internal structures of the abdomen.

The condition where the intestines are twisted or coiled abnormally, affecting the flow of blood and nutrients.

A full abdominal ultrasound helps visualize organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and bladder.

The gallbladder should not be longer than the kidney in a pediatric patient.

A smooth-walled, anechoic structure without internal echoes is a sign of a healthy gallbladder.

The presence of fluid around the gallbladder suggests inflammation, which may indicate an infection or other problem.

The size of the spleen in children varies with age, ranging from 6.0 cm in infants under 3 months to 12 cm in children over 12 years.

The IVC and aorta should be free from blood clots, and the position of these vessels helps determine if the organs are in the correct location (situs inversus).

The normal bowel should have regular movement (peristalsis) and not be thickened. The large bowel should not exceed 3 mm in thickness, the small bowel not more than 2.5 mm, and when collapsed, they can be up to 4-6 mm.

Lymph nodes should typically not be visible. Enlarged lymph nodes can indicate lymphoma or other masses.

The retroperitoneal area should be examined for masses, as most malignant abdominal masses originate from this region.

A common childhood disorder characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects nearly 9% of children between the ages of 13 and 18, with boys diagnosed three times more often than girls.

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. It affects 1 in 54 children in the United States, with boys diagnosed four times more often than girls.

Understanding and acknowledging the diverse range of family structures and dynamics. It's essential to be mindful and respectful of all family types, regardless of their composition.

A serious concern encompassing abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It's legally mandatory for healthcare professionals to report any suspicion of abuse.

A growing health concern affecting approximately 30%-35% of children, it is imperative for healthcare workers to maintain strict hygiene practices to prevent exposure to allergens. Even minute traces of allergens, like peanut dust, can trigger life-threatening reactions.

A rising health epidemic in children and adolescents. It can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social/psychological challenges.

A challenging situation requiring a child-centered approach and empathy towards families experiencing immense grief and stress. It is essential to maintain a professional demeanor while acknowledging personal feelings to provide quality care.

Prior to an abdominal ultrasound, children should abstain from eating and drinking for a specific duration based on their age. These guidelines ensure an empty stomach for clear imaging.

Prior to pelvic ultrasounds, children should drink fluids to achieve a full bladder for optimal imaging. The amount of fluid intake varies based on age.

For newborns undergoing a pyloric stenosis examination, glucose water or Pedialyte may be administered, but it is crucial to consult with a radiologist or emergency department professional before doing so. Biliary system feedings should be withheld briefly based on the patient's age.

A condition where fat accumulates in the liver, often linked to obesity, and is increasingly common in children and adolescents.

A serious condition characterized by scarring and damage to the liver, which can be caused by various factors, including biliary issues, metabolic disorders, infections or autoimmune conditions, and unknown causes.

A technique used to assess the stiffness of liver tissue during a liver ultrasound. It helps determine the need for a liver biopsy.

A condition characterized by high blood pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from the digestive tract to the liver.

A flow pattern in the portal vein where blood flows away from the liver, suggesting portal hypertension.

A syndrome associated with an increased risk of liver tumors (hepatoblastoma) and chronic inflammation of the pancreas.

A genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, and may lead to chronic inflammation of the pancreas.

A condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, which can be caused by various factors, including cystic fibrosis, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and other disorders.

The five layers of the bowel wall visualized in the large transverse colon via ultrasound, from outer to inner: serosa, muscularis, muscularis mucosa, submucosa, and mucosa.

A common complaint in children caused by various factors. Ultrasound is used to help diagnose the cause.

A common cause of death in children, often involving trauma to the abdomen.

A condition where the liver is torn, impacting the internal structure. Ultrasound reveals changes in echogenicity.

Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be serious in children. Ultrasound helps diagnose it by showing duct enlargement and fluid collections.

A condition where the pancreas is damaged over time. Ultrasound reveals an echogenic pancreas often with calcifications.

An urgent condition causing a rapid splenic enlargement and low blood cell count, particularly in children with sickle cell disease. Ultrasound helps diagnose it.

Presence of gallstones in children. Ultrasound is used to diagnose it, especially in asymptomatic cases. It can be caused by factors like obesity, total parenteral nutrition, and sepsis.

A common cause of neonatal jaundice where the liver is unable to process bilirubin effectively due to immaturity or infection.

A method to differentiate between obstructive and non-obstructive jaundice. It helps visualize the gallbladder, biliary ducts, and liver for stones or other abnormalities.

A significant cause of neonatal jaundice, it arises from a blockage in the bile flow. It can be either extrahepatic (outside the liver) or intrahepatic (within the liver).

A group of infections that can cause neonatal hepatitis. They include toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes.

A common cause of neonatal jaundice where there is a buildup of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood. This is often temporary and resolves on its own.

Increased stiffness of the liver, often detected through shear wave elastography, can indicate the presence of liver fibrosis, an early stage of cirrhosis.

An infection of the biliary tract often associated with congenital or immune-related abnormalities and immunodeficiency states. It can arise after surgery such as a Kasai procedure or liver transplantation.

A solid, malignant tumor of the pancreas, often associated with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a genetic disorder.