CliffsNotes EMT-Basic Exam Cram Plan by Northeast Editing Inc

Author:Northeast Editing, Inc.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HMH Books
Published: 2011-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

X. Infants and Children

Infants and children differ significantly from adults on both a physical and an emotional level. As an EMT-Basic, it’s your job to understand the anatomical, physiological, and even psychological differences between adults and children in order to administer proper care.

About 16 percent of the NREMT cognitive exam will feature questions about pediatric care. Remember to take a look at the “Additional Topics to Review” sections in this chapter for more information on some of the subjects you may encounter on the test.

A. Developmental Differences in Infants and Children

Children go through several developmental stages in which their bodies and minds undergo significant changes; they are learning and growing all the time. Treating very young children is challenging because they often can’t communicate their needs in the ways that adults do. As an EMT, it is your job to recognize the common signs and symptoms that will help you identify injuries or illnesses in young children, even when they cannot tell you what is wrong.

The following sections describe the various stages of childhood development. You will most likely need to modify the way in which you treat patients based on where they fall on this developmental scale.

1. Newborns and Infants

Babies who are less than 1 month old are called newborns, while babies under 12 months of age are infants. Children this young are generally easier to assess and treat if their parents are present; however, they don’t necessarily fear strangers, so brief separation may not affect them negatively.

Newborns and infants struggle to maintain their body temperature, so EMT-Basics should attempt to keep the surrounding environment warm. When infants lose body heat, their circulation slows and they use more oxygen in an attempt to raise their body temperature.

As you examine newborns and infants, it is important to note the following vital signs:

• Respiratory rate

• Skin color

• Activity level

• Interest level in environment

• Interaction with parents/EMT-Basics

• Use of accessory muscles when breathing

2. Toddlers

Children between 1 to 3 years of age are referred to as toddlers. Toddlers don’t like to be touched, and they especially don’t like removing their clothing when they are uncomfortable. If you must remove the child’s clothing during the examination, ask the child’s parents or family members to assist you. Move the clothing aside and replace it quickly. This will make the child more comfortable as you perform the examination.

Remember to assess toddlers on their level by kneeling or sitting beside them; this will make them feel less frightened. Let them know what you’re doing just before you perform the action. For example, if you must use a needle on a toddler, be honest and explain that it might hurt for a moment. Don’t wait too long before performing the procedure, otherwise the child may grow afraid or upset during the process.

Use simple words when speaking with toddlers. Reassure them that they aren’t in trouble and that they aren’t being punished. Examine the heart and lungs first, showing the child the tools you are using as you go, and then move to the trunk and head.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.