ABEM Peds EM flashcards

31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Pediatric assessment triangle

A rapid visual and auditory assessment of appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to skin that guides the initial urgency of pediatric resuscitation.

Hypotension threshold in children

Systolic blood pressure below 70 plus twice the age in years defines hypotension for children aged 1 to 10 years; it is a late and ominous sign.

Pediatric defibrillation energy

Initial pediatric defibrillation dose is 2 J/kg, escalating to 4 J/kg for refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Neonatal fever evaluation

Infants younger than 28 days with fever require full sepsis workup including lumbar puncture, cultures, and empiric antibiotics regardless of appearance.

Pediatric fluid bolus

Isotonic crystalloid at 20 mL/kg per bolus is used for pediatric shock, with reassessment for hepatomegaly and pulmonary edema between boluses.

Pediatric epinephrine dose

For pediatric cardiac arrest, epinephrine is given at 0.01 mg/kg IV, equivalent to 0.1 mL/kg of the 1:10,000 concentration.

Length-based resuscitation tape

A tape using measured length to estimate weight and provide precalculated drug doses and equipment sizes for pediatric emergencies.

Pediatric bradycardia management

In a hypoxic child with bradycardia, oxygenation and ventilation are the priority; chest compressions begin if bradycardia persists with poor perfusion.

Adult epinephrine arrest dose

During adult cardiac arrest, epinephrine 1 mg IV is given every 3 to 5 minutes; the pediatric equivalent is 0.01 mg/kg.

Thrombolysis stroke window

Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke may be given up to 4.5 hours from last known well after excluding hemorrhage on imaging.

Anion gap formula

Anion gap equals sodium minus the sum of chloride and bicarbonate; a normal value is roughly 8 to 12 mEq/L.

Hyperkalemia with ECG changes

IV calcium is given first to stabilize the myocardium, followed by insulin with glucose, beta-agonist, and definitive removal such as dialysis.

NEXUS criteria

Cervical spine imaging is not required if there is no midline tenderness, no intoxication, normal alertness, no focal deficit, and no distracting injury.

Sepsis initial bundle

Measure lactate, draw cultures before antibiotics, give broad-spectrum antibiotics, and give 30 mL/kg crystalloid for hypotension or lactate of 4 or more.

Salicylate toxicity features

Salicylate poisoning causes mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis, tinnitus, and GI symptoms; treatment includes urine alkalinization with bicarbonate.

Acetaminophen antidote

N-acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen toxicity, with treatment guided by the Rumack-Matthew nomogram based on timed serum levels.

Permissive hypotension in trauma

In penetrating trauma without brain injury, targeting systolic pressure near 80 to 90 mmHg may limit hemorrhage until surgical control is achieved.

Aortic dissection treatment

Acute aortic dissection is managed with rapid heart rate and blood pressure control using beta-blockade first, then vasodilators, plus urgent surgical consultation.

RSV bronchiolitis management

Bronchiolitis is usually caused by respiratory syncytial virus and is managed supportively with oxygen and hydration; routine bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics are not recommended.

Kawasaki disease criteria

Fever for at least 5 days plus 4 of 5 features: conjunctivitis, mucosal changes, rash, extremity changes, and cervical adenopathy; treat with IVIG and aspirin.

Croup treatment

Croup causes barking cough and inspiratory stridor; dexamethasone is given for all severities, with nebulized epinephrine added for moderate to severe symptoms.

Pyloric stenosis findings

Pyloric stenosis presents at 3 to 6 weeks with projectile nonbilious vomiting and hypochloremic hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, often with a palpable olive-shaped mass.

Intussusception treatment

In intussusception without peritonitis, an air or contrast enema is both diagnostic and therapeutic; persistent symptoms or perforation require surgery.

Simple febrile seizure

A simple febrile seizure is generalized, lasts under 15 minutes, and occurs once in 24 hours; it requires no routine labs, imaging, or anticonvulsant therapy.

Neonatal jaundice assessment

Phototherapy thresholds depend on age in hours, gestational age, and risk factors; total and direct bilirubin and hemolysis markers guide management.

Developmental milestones

Children sit unsupported by 6 to 8 months, walk by 12 to 15 months, and use two-word phrases by 18 to 24 months.

Pediatric weight estimation

For children 1 to 10 years, weight in kilograms approximates twice the age in years plus 8; length-based tapes are preferred in emergencies.

Normal infant vital signs

Infants normally have respiratory rates of 30 to 60 per minute and heart rates of 100 to 160 per minute, with rates declining with age.

Pediatric septic shock fluid

Isotonic crystalloid boluses of 20 mL/kg are given for pediatric septic shock, reassessing for hepatomegaly and rales after each bolus.

Kussmaul respirations

Deep, rapid breathing without dyspnea seen in metabolic acidosis, classically diabetic ketoacidosis, reflecting respiratory compensation for low pH.

Pediatric GCS modified

The pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale modifies verbal and motor responses for preverbal children, using age-appropriate scoring for best eye, verbal, and motor response.