Pediatric Emergency Care: Assessment,
Management, and Special Considerations
How does the pediatric nervous system differ from that
of adults?
It is immature, underdeveloped, and not well protected.
What is the risk associated with the pediatric brain's
requirement for blood flow?
At risk for secondary brain damage from hypotension
and hypoxic events.
What is the significance of the pediatric spinal cord in
injuries?
Spinal cord injuries are less common, but injuries to
ligaments are more likely.
What is a characteristic of the abdominal muscles in
children?
Abdominal muscles are less developed, providing less
protection from trauma.
,What is the risk associated with the liver, spleen, and
kidneys in children?
They are proportionally larger and situated more
anteriorly, making them prone to bleeding and injury.
,What is a consequence of open growth plates in
children?
Children's bones are softer and more flexible, making
them prone to stress fractures.
What are fontanelles in infants?
Soft spots located at the front and back of the head that
close at particular stages of development.
What is the pediatric integumentary system characterized
by?
Thinner skin and less subcutaneous fat.
What is the importance of scene size-up in pediatric
assessment?
It prepares for approaching and treating an infant or
child.
, What does the pediatric assessment triangle (PAT)
include?
Appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to the
skin.
What does the TICLS mnemonic stand for?
Tone, Interactiveness, Consolability, Look or gaze,
Speech or cry.
What are signs of compensated shock in children?
Pallor of skin and mucous membranes.
What does mottling indicate in a pediatric patient?
It is a sign of poor perfusion.
Management, and Special Considerations
How does the pediatric nervous system differ from that
of adults?
It is immature, underdeveloped, and not well protected.
What is the risk associated with the pediatric brain's
requirement for blood flow?
At risk for secondary brain damage from hypotension
and hypoxic events.
What is the significance of the pediatric spinal cord in
injuries?
Spinal cord injuries are less common, but injuries to
ligaments are more likely.
What is a characteristic of the abdominal muscles in
children?
Abdominal muscles are less developed, providing less
protection from trauma.
,What is the risk associated with the liver, spleen, and
kidneys in children?
They are proportionally larger and situated more
anteriorly, making them prone to bleeding and injury.
,What is a consequence of open growth plates in
children?
Children's bones are softer and more flexible, making
them prone to stress fractures.
What are fontanelles in infants?
Soft spots located at the front and back of the head that
close at particular stages of development.
What is the pediatric integumentary system characterized
by?
Thinner skin and less subcutaneous fat.
What is the importance of scene size-up in pediatric
assessment?
It prepares for approaching and treating an infant or
child.
, What does the pediatric assessment triangle (PAT)
include?
Appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to the
skin.
What does the TICLS mnemonic stand for?
Tone, Interactiveness, Consolability, Look or gaze,
Speech or cry.
What are signs of compensated shock in children?
Pallor of skin and mucous membranes.
What does mottling indicate in a pediatric patient?
It is a sign of poor perfusion.
