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Step By Step Pediatrics
Pediatric Emergency Centers
FOR ALL INGESTIONS CALL POISON CONTROL 1-800-222-1222
After hours and weekend phone calls are for emergencies only. Limit your calls to those that are really necessary and cannot wait until the office opens.
Please refer to the information below -- most questions will be addressed. If you fail to get a return call in 30 minutes, please call back. Please keep your line open
and unblock your line.
PEDIATRIC EMERGENCIES
FOR NON-URGENT PROBLEMS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY DURING
OFFICE HOURS FOR:
FEVER - Most fevers are beneficial to help fight infection. If the child is uncomfortable and is > 3 mo. of age, please give Tylenol. If child is > 6 mo.,
(AFTER HOURS GO DIRECTLY TO THE
you may give Tylenol and/or Motrin if fever is > 102° or persistent, or if child has significant pain/discomfort. Call in a.m. for appointment if fever or EMERGENCY ROOM)
pain persists unless signs of emergent illness exist (see left). Fever under 106° does not damage a child’s brain and most can be safely observed and • Infant <2 months with fever > 100.4° COUGH - A cough is a protection mechanism to clear mucus from the airway and doesn’t require treatment unless it inhibits sleep, produces vomiting,
or if your child has asthma, wheezing, and/or labored breathing. If you have medication for treatment of asthma at home, administer a dose and observe.
• Fever and/or pain in back of neck, or If after usual treatment is given there is no improvement or if condition worsens, call your doctor.
COUGH & CONGESTION IN < 6 MONTHS OLD - Use saline nose drops and bulb suction to remove nasal discharge. Elevate head of bed, use a
room vaporizer or humidifier. Over the counter decongestant/cough medicine is not routinely recommended under 4 years of age because of side effects.
CROUP - Croup is a seal-like barking cough caused by a virus. Keep child calm, provide cool mist humidifier, and offer fluids. If tight cough persists, sit
in steamed-up bathroom or take outside in cool moist air to decrease cough. If still severe after 15 minutes or if child’s lips or nails turn blue or dusky, has difficulty swallowing (drooling or spitting) or is worsening at any time, go to the Emergency Room or call 911.
VOMITING AND DIARRHEA - If breastfeeding, continue to do so. All others should be given Pedialyte in small amounts frequently for 12-24 hours,
then slowly advance diet. Frozen Pedialyte popsicles are an excellent alternative. Call if signs/symptoms of dehydration (see left). Avoid juices (diarrhea worsens) or excessive water intake (can cause electrolyte abnormalities).
CONSTIPATION - For infants >4 months old give 1-2 oz. of prune juice, 1-2 times/day. For older children, prune juice and fiber will help with
constipation. Excessive milk intake in children >1 year old can cause constipation. If unable to pass stool call in a.m. for an appointment.
EARACHE - Give Tylenol and/or Motrin to alleviate pain and/or fever. Call in a.m. for appointment.
SORE THROAT - Most are viral infections, especially if associated with cold symptoms. Strep throat occurs 10-20% of the time and should be ruled out
especially if fever, headache, and/or abdominal pain/vomiting. Give Motrin and/or Tylenol, cool liquids, popsicles, etc. Call office in the a.m. for an • Labored and persistent rapid breathing: EYE INFECTION - Apply cool compress, gently wipe drainage from eye. Call office in a.m.
RASH WITHOUT FEVER - These are usually not serious. May give Benadryl, oatmeal baths, and use 1% hydrocortisone cream if complaints of
itching. If on antibiotic, stop using drug and call office in the a.m.
that persists >2 hours in an ill child.
CHICKEN POX - Give Tylenol for fever and Benadryl for itching. May bathe frequently in oatmeal baths. Isolate from others until all lesions are dried.
Call immediately for stiff neck, severe headache, or any change in level of consciousness. Call to talk with nurse in the a.m. to discuss medications toshorten the course of the illness.
unconsolable crying for >2 hours.
BEE AND/OR BUG BITE - Place ice on area. Give Tylenol or Motrin for pain. Give Benadryl if complaints of itching. Call immediately or go to the
Emergency Room if wheezing, difficulty breathing, throat or chest tightness occurs or if patient has had previous serious allergic reaction to this insect in the past or if this incident involves >5 stings.
Tylenol Susp
Motrin/Advil Infant
Motrin/Advil
Benadryl
(160mg/5cc)
Drops (50mg/1.25cc)
Susp (100mg/5cc)
(12.5mg/5cc)
Frequency
Every 4 Hours
Every 6 Hours
Every 6 Hours
Every 6 Hours
MEASUREMENTS:
1/2 tsp = 2.5 cc
1 tsp = 5 cc
1 1/2 tsp = 7.5 cc
ml and cc are the same

Source: http://www.stepbysteppediatrics.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/quickreference.pdf