Pediatric emergency management

On this page

🚨 Pediatric Crisis Command: The Emergency Medicine Battlefield

When a critically ill child arrives in your emergency department, you have minutes-sometimes seconds-to recognize life-threatening patterns, prioritize interventions, and execute age-appropriate treatments that differ dramatically from adult care. This lesson equips you with systematic assessment frameworks, clinical decision algorithms, and evidence-based intervention protocols tailored to pediatric physiology, so you can confidently navigate high-stakes scenarios from neonatal sepsis to adolescent trauma. You'll master rapid evaluation techniques, pattern recognition skills, and age-specific treatment strategies that transform uncertainty into decisive action when every moment counts.

📌 Remember: PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support protocols differ fundamentally from adult care in dosing (mg/kg), equipment sizing (age-based), and physiologic responses (compensated longer, decompensate faster)

The pediatric emergency landscape encompasses unique pathophysiology where children compensate remarkably well until sudden decompensation occurs. Heart rates range from 100-160 bpm in infants versus 60-100 bpm in adults, while blood pressure thresholds drop to 70 + (2 × age) mmHg for hypotension recognition. Respiratory rates vary dramatically: 30-60 breaths/min in newborns, 20-30 in toddlers, and 12-20 in adolescents.

Age GroupHeart Rate (bpm)Respiratory RateSystolic BP (mmHg)Weight FormulaTube Size
Newborn100-16030-6060-903.5 kg3.5 mm
Infant (1-12m)100-15025-5070-100Age(mo) + 94.0 mm
Toddler (1-3y)90-12020-3080-110Age(y) × 2 + 104.5 mm
Preschool (3-6y)80-11020-2585-115Age(y) × 2 + 10Age/4 + 4.5
School (6-12y)70-10015-2090-120Age(y) × 2 + 10Age/4 + 4.5

💡 Master This: Pediatric vital signs vary dramatically by age - memorize the 70 + (2 × age) formula for minimum systolic blood pressure and recognize that tachycardia often represents the first and most sensitive sign of shock

Weight-based dosing calculations form the cornerstone of pediatric emergency interventions. Epinephrine dosing follows 0.01 mg/kg IV (maximum 1 mg) or 0.1 mg/kg ET, while atropine requires 0.02 mg/kg (minimum 0.1 mg, maximum 0.5 mg). Fluid resuscitation begins with 20 mL/kg normal saline boluses, repeatable up to 60 mL/kg total volume.

Connect these foundational principles through systematic assessment approaches to understand how pediatric emergency protocols create life-saving interventions.

🚨 Pediatric Crisis Command: The Emergency Medicine Battlefield

🎯 Rapid Assessment Arsenal: The Pediatric Evaluation Matrix

Appearance Assessment Framework:

  • TICLS Mnemonic: Tone, Interactiveness, Consolability, Look/gaze, Speech/cry
    • Normal: Alert, interactive, consolable, tracks visually, age-appropriate vocalizations
    • Abnormal: Limp, inconsolable, poor eye contact, weak cry, altered mental status
  • Glasgow Coma Scale modifications for age: 15 normal, ≤8 indicates severe brain injury
  • AVPU Scale: Alert, Voice responsive, Pain responsive, Unresponsive

📌 Remember: TICLS - Tone (floppy vs normal), Interactiveness (social vs withdrawn), Consolability (calms vs inconsolable), Look/gaze (tracks vs stares), Speech/cry (strong vs weak) - abnormal findings in ≥2 categories suggest serious illness

Work of Breathing Evaluation:

  • Visual indicators: Retractions (subcostal, intercostal, suprasternal), nasal flaring, head bobbing
  • Auditory signs: Stridor (inspiratory = upper airway), wheezing (expiratory = lower airway), grunting (PEEP mechanism)
  • Positioning: Tripod positioning, sniffing position, refusal to lie flat
  • Respiratory effort: Use of accessory muscles, paradoxical breathing patterns
Assessment ComponentNormal FindingsConcerning SignsCritical Indicators
Respiratory RateAge-appropriate20% above normal50% above/below normal
Oxygen Saturation>95% room air90-95%<90%
Work of BreathingEffortlessMild retractionsSevere retractions, grunting
Air EntryEqual bilateralDecreased unilateralAbsent/minimal
Mental StatusAlert, interactiveIrritable, restlessLethargic, unresponsive
  • Pulse quality: Strong and regular vs weak, thready, or irregular
  • Capillary refill: <2 seconds normal, 2-4 seconds delayed, >4 seconds significantly delayed
  • Skin perfusion: Warm and pink vs cool, mottled, or cyanotic
  • Blood pressure: Often normal until late in shock progression

Clinical Pearl: Capillary refill >2 seconds combined with tachycardia identifies shock with 85% sensitivity and 98% specificity in pediatric patients

💡 Master This: The PAT assessment occurs before vital signs and provides immediate risk stratification - abnormal appearance suggests neurologic/metabolic disease, increased work of breathing indicates respiratory pathology, poor circulation reveals shock states

Systematic Primary Survey (ABCDE):

  • Airway: Patency, positioning, foreign body obstruction
  • Breathing: Rate, effort, air entry, oxygen saturation
  • Circulation: Pulse, perfusion, blood pressure, bleeding control
  • Disability: Neurologic status, glucose level, pupil response
  • Exposure: Complete examination while preventing hypothermia

Age-Specific Assessment Modifications:

  • Infants: Assess fontanelle tension, primitive reflexes, feeding tolerance
  • Toddlers: Stranger anxiety normal, separation from caregivers increases distress
  • School-age: Can localize pain, describe symptoms, cooperate with examination
  • Adolescents: Adult-like presentation but may minimize symptoms or risk behaviors

Connect systematic assessment principles through recognition of specific emergency patterns to understand how clinical findings guide immediate interventions.

🎯 Rapid Assessment Arsenal: The Pediatric Evaluation Matrix

🔥 Pattern Recognition Mastery: The Clinical Decision Matrix

Shock Recognition Framework:

  • Compensated Shock Indicators:

    • Tachycardia (>150 bpm infants, >120 bpm children)
    • Normal blood pressure (systolic >70 + 2×age)
    • Delayed capillary refill (2-4 seconds)
    • Cool extremities with central warmth
    • Decreased urine output (<1 mL/kg/hr)
  • Decompensated Shock Indicators:

    • Hypotension (systolic <70 + 2×age)
    • Altered mental status (GCS <15)
    • Prolonged capillary refill (>4 seconds)
    • Weak or absent peripheral pulses
    • Oliguria or anuria

📌 Remember: SHOCK - Systolic BP low, Heart rate high, Output decreased (urine), Capillary refill delayed, Kids compensate until they crash - recognize compensated phase before decompensation occurs

Shock TypeHeart RateBlood PressurePerfusionExtremitiesKey Features
Hypovolemic↑↑Normal→↓PoorCoolHistory of losses
DistributiveVariableWarmFever, vasodilation
CardiogenicPoorCoolMurmur, hepatomegaly
Obstructive↑↑↓↓PoorCoolJVD, muffled sounds
NeurogenicPoorWarmSpinal injury
  • Upper Airway Obstruction: Inspiratory stridor, suprasternal retractions, muffled voice
  • Lower Airway Obstruction: Expiratory wheeze, prolonged expiration, intercostal retractions
  • Lung Parenchymal Disease: Grunting, nasal flaring, subcostal retractions
  • Pleural Space Disease: Unilateral decreased breath sounds, asymmetric chest movement

Neurologic Emergency Patterns:

  • Increased ICP: Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations), papilledema, sunset eyes
  • Status Epilepticus: Continuous seizure >5 minutes or recurrent seizures without return to baseline
  • Meningitis: Fever, neck stiffness, photophobia, petechial rash

Clinical Pearl: Fever >38.5°C in infants <3 months requires full sepsis workup including lumbar puncture, blood cultures, and empiric antibiotics within 60 minutes

💡 Master This: Pattern recognition accelerates diagnosis - stridor + drooling + tripod position = epiglottitis, wheeze + retractions + accessory muscle use = asthma exacerbation, altered mental status + fever + petechiae = meningococcemia

Toxicologic Syndromes (Toxidromes):

  • Anticholinergic: "Mad as a hatter, red as a beet, hot as a hare, dry as a bone, blind as a bat"
  • Cholinergic: SLUDGE - Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI distress, Emesis
  • Sympathomimetic: Hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, mydriasis, agitation
  • Opioid: CNS depression, miosis, respiratory depression

Connect pattern recognition skills through systematic treatment algorithms to understand how clinical findings translate into evidence-based interventions.

🔥 Pattern Recognition Mastery: The Clinical Decision Matrix

⚡ Treatment Algorithm Mastery: The Intervention Playbook

Airway Management Protocols:

  • Bag-Mask Ventilation: 10-12 breaths/min for children, 20 breaths/min for infants
  • Endotracheal Tube Sizing: (Age + 16) ÷ 4 for cuffed tubes, (Age + 4) ÷ 4 for uncuffed
  • Rapid Sequence Intubation: Etomidate 0.3 mg/kg + Succinylcholine 1-2 mg/kg
  • Difficult Airway: LMA size = (Weight ÷ 5) - 1 for emergency backup

📌 Remember: DOPE - Dislodged tube, Obstruction, Pneumothorax, Equipment failure - systematic approach to sudden deterioration during mechanical ventilation

Fluid Resuscitation Algorithms:

  • Initial Bolus: 20 mL/kg normal saline over 10-20 minutes
  • Reassessment: Repeat bolus if persistent shock signs
  • Maximum: 60 mL/kg total before considering inotropic support
  • Monitoring: Urine output >1 mL/kg/hr, capillary refill <2 seconds, normal mental status
InterventionDosageRouteTimingMonitoring
Epinephrine0.01 mg/kgIV/IOq3-5minContinuous ECG
Atropine0.02 mg/kgIV/IOPRN bradycardiaHeart rate response
Amiodarone5 mg/kgIV/IOOver 20-60minBlood pressure
Adenosine0.1 mg/kgIV pushRapid bolusRhythm conversion
Fluid Bolus20 mL/kgIV/IOOver 10-20minPerfusion markers
  • Epinephrine: 0.01 mg/kg IV (1:10,000), 0.1 mg/kg ET (1:1,000)
  • Atropine: 0.02 mg/kg (minimum 0.1 mg, maximum 0.5 mg)
  • Amiodarone: 5 mg/kg IV for VT/VF, 15 mg/kg/day for SVT
  • Adenosine: 0.1 mg/kg initial dose, 0.2 mg/kg second dose

Clinical Pearl: Intraosseous access achieves 95% success rate within 60 seconds when peripheral IV access fails - insert at proximal tibia or distal femur in children

💡 Master This: Treatment algorithms prioritize airway, breathing, circulation in sequence - never proceed to next step until current intervention stabilizes the patient or maximum therapy achieved

Specific Emergency Protocols:

  • Anaphylaxis: Epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg IM (maximum 0.5 mg), H1/H2 blockers, corticosteroids
  • Status Epilepticus: Lorazepam 0.1 mg/kg IV or Midazolam 0.2 mg/kg IM, repeat once
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Normal saline 10-20 mL/kg, insulin 0.1 units/kg/hr after initial hydration
  • Septic Shock: Antibiotics within 60 minutes, fluid resuscitation, vasopressors if fluid-refractory

Advanced Life Support Algorithms:

  • Pulseless Arrest: CPR 30:2 (single rescuer) or 15:2 (two rescuers), epinephrine q3-5min
  • Bradycardia: Atropine if symptomatic, epinephrine if persistent, pacing if refractory
  • Tachycardia: Adenosine for SVT, amiodarone for VT, synchronized cardioversion if unstable

Connect treatment algorithms through monitoring protocols to understand how interventions require continuous assessment and adjustment.

⚡ Treatment Algorithm Mastery: The Intervention Playbook

🔬 Diagnostic Integration Hub: The Evidence Synthesis Engine

Laboratory Integration Framework:

  • Complete Blood Count: WBC >15,000 suggests bacterial infection, <5,000 indicates viral or overwhelming sepsis
  • Basic Metabolic Panel: Glucose <60 mg/dL requires immediate correction, bicarbonate <15 suggests metabolic acidosis
  • Inflammatory Markers: CRP >50 mg/L or PCT >2 ng/mL indicates serious bacterial infection
  • Coagulation Studies: PT/PTT elevated in liver dysfunction or consumptive coagulopathy

📌 Remember: SAMPLE - Signs/symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events leading to illness - systematic history gathering in pediatric emergencies

Age GroupNormal WBCNormal GlucoseNormal BPNormal HRKey Considerations
Neonate9,000-30,00040-60 mg/dL60-90 systolic100-160Immature immune response
Infant6,000-17,50060-100 mg/dL70-100 systolic100-150Maternal antibodies waning
Toddler6,000-15,50070-110 mg/dL80-110 systolic90-120Increased infection exposure
School-age5,000-13,50070-120 mg/dL90-120 systolic70-100Adult-like responses
Adolescent4,500-11,00070-120 mg/dL100-130 systolic60-100Risk-taking behaviors
  • Head CT Indications: GCS <15, focal neurologic deficits, signs of skull fracture, persistent vomiting
  • Chest X-ray Criteria: Respiratory distress, fever + cough, trauma mechanism, foreign body suspicion
  • Abdominal CT Guidelines: Blunt trauma with hemodynamic instability, peritoneal signs, mechanism concerning for injury

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Applications:

  • FAST Exam: Free fluid detection in Morrison's pouch, splenorenal recess, pelvis, pericardium
  • Cardiac Echo: Ejection fraction assessment, pericardial effusion, wall motion abnormalities
  • Lung Ultrasound: Pneumothorax detection, pleural effusion, consolidation patterns
  • Vascular Access: Central line placement, peripheral IV guidance, arterial puncture

Clinical Pearl: Ultrasound-guided peripheral IV increases first-attempt success from 65% to 85% in difficult pediatric access cases

💡 Master This: Diagnostic integration requires clinical correlation - normal labs don't rule out serious disease in early presentations, while abnormal findings must fit clinical picture to guide treatment

Age-Specific Diagnostic Considerations:

  • Neonates: Group B Strep, E. coli, Listeria most common pathogens
  • Infants: RSV, pertussis, urinary tract infections peak incidence
  • Toddlers: Ingestions, foreign body aspirations, intussusception common
  • School-age: Appendicitis, fractures, asthma exacerbations increase
  • Adolescents: Substance abuse, psychiatric emergencies, sports injuries prevalent

Clinical Decision Rules:

  • PECARN Head Injury: GCS <15, altered mental status, palpable skull fracture = high risk
  • Ottawa Ankle Rules: Bone tenderness at malleoli or navicular, inability to bear weight
  • Alvarado Score: Appendicitis probability based on symptoms, signs, laboratory values

Sepsis Recognition Criteria:

  • SIRS Criteria: Temperature >38.5°C or <36°C, tachycardia, tachypnea, abnormal WBC
  • qSOFA Pediatric: Altered mental status, respiratory rate >22, systolic BP <100
  • Lactate Levels: >2 mmol/L suggests tissue hypoperfusion, >4 mmol/L indicates severe sepsis

Connect diagnostic integration through specialized pediatric considerations to understand how age-specific factors influence emergency management approaches.

🔬 Diagnostic Integration Hub: The Evidence Synthesis Engine

🌟 Pediatric Specialization Matrix: The Age-Specific Mastery Framework

Neonatal Emergency Specializations:

  • Thermoregulation: Neutral thermal environment prevents cold stress and increased oxygen consumption
  • Glucose Management: Hypoglycemia <40 mg/dL requires D10W 2-4 mL/kg bolus
  • Respiratory Support: Surfactant deficiency causes RDS, requiring CPAP or mechanical ventilation
  • Infection Risk: Immature immune system necessitates broad-spectrum antibiotics for fever >38°C

📌 Remember: NEONATES - Neutral thermal environment, Early glucose monitoring, Oxygen support PRN, No delays in antibiotics, Assess for congenital anomalies, Transport considerations, Early family involvement, Special dosing calculations

Neonatal ParameterNormal RangeCritical ThresholdInterventionMonitoring Frequency
Temperature36.5-37.5°C<36°C or >38°CWarming/coolingq15min
Glucose40-120 mg/dL<40 mg/dLD10W 2-4 mL/kgq1-2hr
Heart Rate100-160 bpm<100 or >180Atropine/fluidContinuous
Blood Pressure60-90 systolic<50 systolicVolume/pressorsq15min
Oxygen Saturation>95%<90%Supplemental O2Continuous
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Back sleeping, smoke-free environment, appropriate bedding
  • Bronchiolitis: RSV season (October-March), supportive care, avoid bronchodilators
  • Intussusception: Currant jelly stools, intermittent crying, sausage-shaped mass
  • Febrile Seizures: Temperature >38°C, age 6 months-5 years, typically benign

Toddler Emergency Patterns (1-3 years):

  • Foreign Body Ingestion: Coins, batteries, magnets require immediate evaluation
  • Poisoning: Household products, medications, plants common exposures
  • Trauma: Falls, burns, drowning leading causes of injury
  • Behavioral: Temper tantrums, separation anxiety, regression during illness

Clinical Pearl: Button batteries in the esophagus cause tissue necrosis within 2 hours - requires emergent endoscopic removal

💡 Master This: Age-specific pathology patterns guide diagnostic thinking - neonates get sepsis and congenital anomalies, infants develop bronchiolitis and intussusception, toddlers experience ingestions and trauma

School-Age Considerations (6-12 years):

  • Appendicitis: Peak incidence, atypical presentations, perforation risk
  • Sports Injuries: Fractures, concussions, overuse syndromes
  • Asthma: Exercise-induced, viral triggers, medication compliance
  • Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, attention disorders

Adolescent Specializations (13-18 years):

  • Substance Abuse: Alcohol, marijuana, synthetic drugs, prescription medications
  • Psychiatric Emergencies: Suicidal ideation, self-harm, eating disorders
  • Sexual Health: STIs, pregnancy, sexual assault
  • Risk Behaviors: Motor vehicle accidents, violence, extreme sports

Family-Centered Care Principles:

  • Parental Presence: Reduces anxiety, improves cooperation, enhances communication
  • Developmentally Appropriate: Age-specific explanations, comfort measures, distraction techniques
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Language barriers, religious considerations, family dynamics
  • Trauma-Informed: Minimize additional trauma, preserve dignity, support coping

Transport Considerations:

  • Specialized Equipment: Pediatric monitors, transport ventilators, medication pumps
  • Team Composition: Pediatric-trained nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians
  • Communication: Receiving facility notification, family updates, medical control
  • Documentation: Continuous monitoring, intervention responses, complications

Connect specialized pediatric knowledge through rapid reference tools to understand how age-specific expertise translates into immediate clinical decision-making capabilities.

🌟 Pediatric Specialization Matrix: The Age-Specific Mastery Framework

🎯 Clinical Command Center: The Pediatric Emergency Mastery Toolkit

Essential Clinical Arsenal:

  • Weight Estimation: Age × 2 + 10 kg (ages 1-10), Broselow tape for precise dosing
  • Vital Sign Thresholds: 70 + (2 × age) minimum systolic BP, 150 - (2 × age) maximum heart rate
  • Equipment Sizing: Age/4 + 4.5 ET tube, tube size × 3 insertion depth
  • Fluid Calculations: 20 mL/kg boluses, 100 mL/kg/day maintenance (first 10 kg)

📌 Remember: PEDS - Pediatric dosing differs, Equipment sizing matters, Developmental considerations, Systematic approach saves lives - master these four principles for emergency excellence

Quick ReferenceFormulaExample (5-year-old)Clinical Application
WeightAge × 2 + 105 × 2 + 10 = 20 kgAll medication dosing
Min Systolic BP70 + (2 × age)70 + (2 × 5) = 80 mmHgShock recognition
ET Tube SizeAge/4 + 4.55/4 + 4.5 = 5.75 mmAirway management
Epinephrine Dose0.01 mg/kg0.01 × 20 = 0.2 mgCardiac arrest
Fluid Bolus20 mL/kg20 × 20 = 400 mLShock resuscitation
  • Appearance: TICLS assessment within 30 seconds
  • Breathing: Rate, effort, air entry, oxygen saturation
  • Circulation: Pulse quality, capillary refill, blood pressure
  • Disability: GCS, pupils, glucose, temperature
  • Exposure: Complete examination, prevent hypothermia

Critical Action Sequences:

  • Cardiac Arrest: CPR 30:2, epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg q3-5min, defibrillation 2-4 J/kg
  • Shock: IV access, 20 mL/kg NS bolus, reassess, repeat PRN
  • Respiratory Failure: Oxygen, positioning, BVM if needed, intubation PRN
  • Status Epilepticus: Lorazepam 0.1 mg/kg IV, repeat once, phenytoin if refractory

Clinical Pearl: Broselow tape provides weight-based medication dosing and equipment sizing with 95% accuracy - essential tool for pediatric emergencies

💡 Master This: Systematic approaches prevent errors - use checklists, double-check calculations, confirm equipment sizes, and involve families in age-appropriate communication

Pattern Recognition Drills:

  • Shock Signs: Tachycardia + delayed cap refill + altered mental status
  • Respiratory Distress: Retractions + nasal flaring + accessory muscle use
  • Neurologic Emergency: Altered mental status + focal deficits + vital sign changes
  • Sepsis Indicators: Fever + tachycardia + poor perfusion + altered mental status

Family Communication Framework:

  • Initial Contact: Introduce team, explain immediate actions, provide realistic timeline
  • Ongoing Updates: Regular communication, honest information, answer questions
  • Decision Making: Include families, respect preferences, cultural sensitivity
  • Support Services: Social work, chaplaincy, child life specialists

Quality Improvement Metrics:

  • Time to Antibiotics: <60 minutes for suspected sepsis
  • Medication Errors: <1% with systematic approaches
  • Family Satisfaction: >90% with effective communication
  • Length of Stay: Reduced with efficient protocols

This clinical mastery toolkit transforms pediatric emergency knowledge into immediate, life-saving interventions through systematic approaches, rapid reference tools, and evidence-based protocols that optimize outcomes for critically ill children.

🎯 Clinical Command Center: The Pediatric Emergency Mastery Toolkit

Practice Questions: Pediatric emergency management

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 24-year-old man is rushed to the emergency room after he was involved in a motor vehicle accident. He says that he is having difficulty breathing and has right-sided chest pain, which he describes as 8/10, sharp in character, and worse with deep inspiration. His vitals are: blood pressure 90/65 mm Hg, respiratory rate 30/min, pulse 120/min, temperature 37.2°C (99.0°F). On physical examination, patient is alert and oriented but in severe distress. There are multiple bruises over the anterior chest wall. There is also significant jugular venous distention and the presence of subcutaneous emphysema at the base of the neck. There is an absence of breath sounds on the right and hyperresonance to percussion. A bedside chest radiograph shows evidence of a collapsed right lung with a depressed right hemidiaphragm and tracheal deviation to the left. Which of the following findings is the strongest indicator of cardiogenic shock in this patient?

1 of 5

Flashcards: Pediatric emergency management

1/7

DTaP vaccine and anaphylaxis is managed with _____ DTaP vaccine and encephalopathy/neuro disorder is managed with _____

Hint: next step

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

DTaP vaccine and anaphylaxis is managed with _____ DTaP vaccine and encephalopathy/neuro disorder is managed with _____

do not give any more DTaP

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial