Pediatrics: Respiratory Distress and Bronchiolitis

Questions and Answers

What is the likely diagnosis for a newborn with normal breathing and pulse but has a blue torso and extremities?

Respiratory failure

Central cyanosis (correct)

Cardiomyopathy

Bronchiolitis

What is the primary cause of bronchiolitis in children?

Viral infection (correct)

Genetic disorder

Allergic reaction

Bacterial infection

What is the normal heart rate for teenagers?

100-140 beats/min

70-120 beats/min

60-100 beats/min (correct)

50-70 beats/min

What is the recommended fluid dosage for pediatrics?

20ml/kg Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk factor for cardiomyopathy in pregnant females?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of knowing the number of live births in a woman's pregnancy history?

To determine the length of labor Signup and view all the answers

What is the common finding in premature newborns?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the full-term gestation period?

40 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common ventilation issue in newborns?

Ineffective BVM seal and head position Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of bradycardia in newborns?

Hypoxia Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of steps when delivering a newborn?

Peel the amniotic sac open, support the head, and then guide the head downward Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of thermoregulation in the body?

To maintain a stable body temperature Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have the parents nearby when assessing a pediatric patient?

To ensure the patient is consolable Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of pneumothorax in an infant?

Unilateral absent breath sounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence for suctioning a newborn's nose and mouth?

Mouth first, then nose Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to check for a nuchal cord during delivery?

To prevent the cord from wrapping around the baby's neck Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Central Cyanosis

Defined as a blue discoloration of the torso and extremities, indicating hypoxia
May occur in newborns with normal breathing and pulse rates
Treatment involves providing blow-by oxygen, warm blankets, and skin-to-skin contact if possible
If the patient is apneic or has a pulse rate less than 100, start Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV)

Bronchiolitis

Defined as an inflammation or swelling of the small airways in the lower respiratory tract due to viral infection
Can be difficult to differentiate from asthma, but the patient's age is a key clue (children under 1 year old are more likely to have bronchiolitis)
Common symptoms include wheezing, tachypnea, retractions, and mild hypoxia

Pregnancy and Childbirth

A woman can become pregnant after starting her menstrual cycle
Premature newborns are at increased risk for heart defects, low birth weight, and lung issues
Common causes of premature birth include maternal narcotic use and multiple pregnancies
Normal heart rate for teenagers is 60-100 beats per minute
Normal gestation period is 40 weeks

Pediatrics and Neonate Care

Fluid dosage for pediatrics: 20ml/kg
Fluid dosage for neonates: 10ml/kg
Assessment differs from adults in that pain is assessed last in pediatric patients
Having parents nearby can help comfort inconsolable pediatric patients

Cardiomyopathy in Pregnancy

Defined as a form of heart failure that occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy or postpartum
Risk factors include obesity, multiple pregnancies, and African American descent
Symptoms include smoking, alcoholism, poor nourishment, persistent hypertension, pulmonary edema, pedal edema, hypotension, diaphoresis, and tachycardia

Eclampsia

High-risk patients include those under 18 and over 35
Assessment findings include ketones in the urine, pedal edema, headache, and dizziness
Symptoms include hypertension and seizures

Pneumothorax in Infants

Causes include meconium inhalation, infection, or aggressive PPV
Symptoms include non-responsiveness to PPV, unilateral absent breath sounds, and shifted heart tones on the left side

Newborn Care

During delivery, support the head and do not pull
Check for a nuchal cord and gently guide the head to deliver the shoulders
Dry and suction the baby's nose and mouth with sterile gauze and bulb syringe
Cut the cord 4 inches from the baby's navel, 2 inches from that, and cut in between when no longer pulsating

Ventilation Issues in Newborns

Most common issue: ineffective BVM seal and head position
Other possible causes: secretions, pneumothorax, and equipment malfunction

Bradycardia in Newborns

Most common cause: hypoxia, which responds well to PPV
Other possible causes: hypovolemia, hyperthermia, pneumothorax, head injury, maternal drug use, hypothyroidism, and acidosis

Thermoregulation

Defined as the process by which the body maintains temperature through heat gain and loss
Important in newborn care to prevent hypothermia and hypothermia-related complications