Pediatric trauma: an algorithm for diagnosis and therapy.
Management of the pediatric patient sustaining a traumatic injury is influenced by patient size, surface area to body mass ratio, thermoregulation, and fluid requirements. A predetermined and systematic approach to the injured child guarantees recognition of life-threatening injuries and provides a method for rapid stabilization. The algorithm is divided into two distinct phases: life support and post-stabilization. The unique aspects of care of the injured child are highlighted to emphasize the significant differences in resuscitation and diagnosis from that of the adult patient.
D002648:Child; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis; D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009333:Neck; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000379:methods*; D012769:Shock / Q000175:diagnosis; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy