ABP General Pediatrics key terms

Inadequate physical growth in an infant or child, shown by weight or height falling across major percentile lines or persistently below expected norms, often reflecting undernutrition, chronic illness, or psychosocial adversity.

A skill or behavior most children acquire within an expected age range, such as sitting, walking, or using words; clinicians track these to detect delay and guide early intervention.

A standardized scale describing pubertal breast, genital, and pubic hair development from prepubertal stage 1 through adult stage 5, used to assess timing and identify precocious or delayed puberty.

Failure to develop age-appropriate receptive or expressive communication, such as no words by 16 months or no two-word phrases by 24 months, requiring hearing evaluation and developmental assessment.

Measurement around the largest part of an infant's head, plotted over time to assess brain growth; abnormal acceleration or slowing can signal hydrocephalus, microcephaly, or nutritional problems.

The recommended timing and sequence of vaccines for children, based on age, immune status, and risk; adherence prevents vaccine-preventable disease and is a core well-child responsibility.

State-mandated testing shortly after birth for treatable metabolic, endocrine, hematologic, and genetic conditions; timely follow-up of abnormal results prevents severe disability or death.

Blood testing for lead exposure at recommended ages or when risk factors exist, because elevated levels can impair neurodevelopment; management includes removing exposure and monitoring levels.

A scheduled preventive health encounter that combines growth monitoring, developmental surveillance, physical examination, immunizations, anticipatory guidance, and screening tailored to the child's age and family context.

Age-appropriate testing for visual acuity, alignment, and refractive errors, beginning in early childhood, so amblyopia and other vision problems are detected while treatment is most effective.

A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that impairs functioning across settings, with symptoms beginning before age 12 and not better explained by another condition.

A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent differences in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors or interests, with symptoms present early and causing functional impairment.

A mood disorder in teens involving persistent sadness, irritability, or loss of interest with cognitive and physical symptoms, requiring confidential screening, safety assessment, and evidence-based treatment.

An excessive, persistent fear or worry that causes distress or impairment in a child's daily life, often accompanied by avoidance and physical symptoms; treatment includes therapy and sometimes medication.

Refusal or reluctance to attend school due to emotional distress, often linked to anxiety, depression, bullying, or family factors; assessment clarifies function and guides gradual return and treatment.

A life-threatening dysregulated immune response to infection causing organ dysfunction; in children, early recognition, cultures, antibiotics, and fluid resuscitation are time-critical.

A seizure lasting longer than five minutes or repeated seizures without recovery between them; immediate airway support and benzodiazepine treatment prevent brain injury and systemic complications.

A severe, rapidly developing systemic allergic reaction with airway, breathing, or circulatory compromise; intramuscular epinephrine is first-line treatment and must be given without delay.

A deficit of body water and electrolytes, commonly from gastroenteritis, classified as mild, moderate, or severe using signs like mental status, tears, mucous membranes, and perfusion; oral or intravenous rehydration is tailored to severity.

A viral lower respiratory infection of infants, usually from respiratory syncytial virus, causing wheezing, crackles, and respiratory distress; management is supportive, with oxygen and hydration as needed.

A seizure associated with fever in a child typically six months to five years old without central nervous system infection or metabolic cause; simple episodes are brief, generalized, and do not require long-term anticonvulsants.

A continuous, coordinated primary care approach that is accessible, family-centered, comprehensive, compassionate, and culturally effective, especially important for children with chronic or complex conditions.

Deliberate organization of patient care activities among providers, families, and community services to ensure needs are met and information is shared, particularly for children with complex chronic conditions.

The planned movement of an adolescent with chronic illness from pediatric to adult health care, including self-management skills, insurance planning, and transfer of records before young adulthood.

A written, individualized plan using symptom zones and peak flow values to guide daily controller use and early treatment of worsening asthma, helping families prevent severe exacerbations.

Structural malformations of the heart or great vessels present at birth, ranging from mild lesions to ductal-dependent critical defects; presentation may include murmur, cyanosis, poor feeding, or shock.

An acute vasculitis of childhood causing prolonged fever, conjunctivitis, rash, mucosal changes, and extremity swelling; coronary artery aneurysms are the major complication, so timely intravenous immunoglobulin is essential.

A glomerular disorder causing heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hyperlipidemia; most childhood cases are steroid-responsive minimal change disease, requiring monitoring for infection and thrombosis.

An autoimmune condition causing absolute insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia, often presenting with polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss; diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening complication at diagnosis.

An inherited hemoglobinopathy causing sickling, hemolytic anemia, vaso-occlusive pain, and infection risk; management includes penicillin prophylaxis, immunizations, hydration, pain control, and hydroxyurea for selected patients.

Inflammation of the middle ear, often following an upper respiratory infection, causing ear pain, fever, and bulging tympanic membrane; antibiotics are indicated for young children and severe or persistent cases.

A bacterial throat infection from group A Streptococcus causing sore throat, fever, tonsillar exudates, and tender nodes; confirmation guides penicillin treatment to prevent rheumatic fever and suppurative complications.

Infection and inflammation of the meninges, presenting with fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status; bacterial causes require urgent antibiotics and supportive care to prevent neurologic sequelae.

A common respiratory virus that causes bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children, especially premature or high-risk infants; treatment is supportive, and prevention includes monoclonal antibody for eligible infants.

The process of obtaining permission for a medical intervention after explaining its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives in language the patient or guardian can understand, free from coercion.

The ethical and legal principle that adolescents may receive certain confidential health services, such as reproductive or mental health care, with limits disclosed when safety risks exist.

A legal obligation for clinicians to report suspected child abuse or neglect to designated authorities, based on reasonable suspicion rather than proof, with immunity for good-faith reports.

Delay or refusal of vaccines despite availability, influenced by trust, risk perception, and access; effective responses use empathetic discussion, clear safety information, and respect for parental concerns.

Avoidable, unfair differences in health outcomes or access to care across populations, often driven by poverty, racism, geography, and insurance; pediatric advocacy aims to identify and reduce them.

A collaborative process where clinicians and families discuss options, evidence, and preferences to reach an informed care choice, especially when benefits and harms are uncertain.