title: Evaluation and stabilization of the critically ill child.
abstract: Because the timely treatment of children in accidents or with serious illnesses usually is successful, it is vital that the life-threatening problem promptly be recognized. Although the principles of resuscitation are identical in the child and adult, age-related differences in anatomy and pathophysiology may make this task challenging for the physician who usually cares for adults. In this article, a systematic approach to evaluation and initial stabilization of the pediatric patient is discussed. Decisions and methods in safely transferring a critically ill pediatric patient are also reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, State University of New York Health Science Center, Syracuse.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Kanter
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003128:Coma / Q000209:etiology; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D003681:Dehydration / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007239:Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D012151:Resuscitation; D012307:Risk Factors; D014187:Transportation of Patients; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology