Pediatric Emergency Playbook

PEMplaybook.org

PEMplaybook.org

pemplaybook.org

    Myth: “No olive, no problem”      Reality: Rare finding, since we diagnose earlier Pyloric stenosis occurs in young infants because the pyloric sphincter hypertrophies, causing near-complete obstruction of the gastric outlet. More common in boys, preterm babies, first-born. Less common in older mothers. Association with macrolide use.       Presentation Young infant arrives with forceful vomiting, but can’t quite get enough to eat “the hungry, hungry, not-so-hippo”. Early presentation from 3 to 5 weeks of age: projectile vomiting Later presentation up to 12 weeks: dehydration, failure to thrive, possibly the elusive olive Labs may show hypOchloremic, hypOkalemic metabOlic acidosis: “all the Os” Watch out for hyperbilirubinemia, the “icteropyloric syndrome”: unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia from dehydration. Ultrasound shows a pylorus of greater than 3 mm wide and 14 mm long.  Memory aid: 3.14 is “pi”.  In pyloric stenosis, π-lorus > 3 x 14       Treatment Various options, may be deferre

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PEMplaybook.org

Hernia Myth: “If it’s not strangulated, it’s elective” Reality: Unlike in adults, all hernias in children are repaired at the time of diagnosis because: The risk of incarceration and strangulation is high There is a 30% risk of testicular infarction due to pressure on the gonadal vessels It is not worth messing around and “trying to navigate the system” Most groin hernias in children are indirect inguinal hernias (incomplete closure of processus vaginalis). Most indirect hernias are in boys (10-fold risk), and on the right (60%). Premature babies are at higher risk as well.  15% are bilateral. Hernias often bulge further with crying. For infants, in supine position, gently restrain their feet on the gurney.  They hate it and will cry.  For older children, have them laugh, cough, or blow through a syringe. The “silk glove sign” is not reliable, but if found is highly suggestive of an inguinal hernia.  Roll the cord structures across the pubic tubercle.  If you feel catching, like two sheets of silk rubbed to

PEMplaybook.org

PEMplaybook.org

PEMplaybook.org

PEMplaybook.org

PEMplaybook.org

Constipation as a diagnosis can be dangerous, mainly because it is a powerful anchor in our medical decision-making. Chances are, you’d be right to chalk up the pain to functional constipation — 90% of pediatric constipation is functional, multifactorial, and mostly benign — as long as it is addressed. We’re not here for “chances are“; we’re here for “why isn’t it?“ Ask yourself, could it be: Anatomic malformations: anal stenosis, anterior displaced anus, sacral hematoma Metabolic: hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia, cystic fibrosis, diabetes mellitus, gluten enteropathy Neuropathic: spinal cord abnormalities, trauma, tethered cord Neuromuscular: Hirschprung disease, intestinal neuronal dysplasia, myopathies, Down syndrome, prune belly syndrome Connective tissue disorders: scleroderma, SLE, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Drugs: opioids, antacids, antihypertensives, anticholinergics, antidepressants, sympathomimetics Ingestions: heavy metals, vitamin D overload, botulism, cow’s milk protein intolerance   Red F

Top 10 [details in audio] Set the stage – exude confidence and be prepared Choose the right cannula size – a smaller working IV is infinitely better than none Feeling is better than looking – trust yourself Mark the site – things get wonky when you take your hands off to disinfect Tourniquets can mess you up – try to use a holder’s hand to occlude the vein The holder rules – get as many hands on deck as you need. Tension is good –  a little counter traction on the skin with your non-dominant hand helps to decrease the friction as the needle goes through the fascial layers. Stay in line – your needle is an extension of your arm Gravity is your friend – the kinder, gentler tourniquet The 3 Fs – flash, flatten, and forward. Get the flash at a 30 degree angle, flatten that angle, (advance another 1mm), and advance the plastic catheter over the needle into success

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