ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus is a common condition in children, characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from an absolute insulin deficiency. It can present in various ways, and hospital admission may result from complications related to previously diagnosed diabetes, or from a new diagnosis. To raise awareness of the condition, Diabetes UK has launched the 4Ts campaign, which highlights the four most common symptoms of diabetes. This article discusses the different clinical presentations, diagnosis and management of children with diabetes, and includes two case studies to illustrate some of the challenges faced by emergency department nurses.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus/diagnosis , Diabetes Mellitus/nursing , Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Nursing ProcessSubject(s)
Fever/complications , Fever/nursing , Nurses, Community Health/education , Nursing Care/standards , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Seizures, Febrile/diagnosis , Seizures, Febrile/therapy , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Education, Nursing, Continuing , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , Seizures, Febrile/etiologyABSTRACT
Feverish illnesses commonly affect children and are the second most frequent reason for a child to be admitted to hospital. Most cases are viral in origin, usually with a good prognosis. Fever can be caused by severe and rapidly progressive illness which needs urgent referral to hospital for potentially life-saving treatment, and community practitioners must be able to identify such cases showing 'red flag'features. The fear of serious disease among parents and carers may result in 'fever phobia' leading to minor illnesses being managed inappropriately. Community practitioners are well placed to reassure and support families, and to provide education regarding the facts about fever, the appropriate use of antipyretic medication, how to avoid dehydration, and the beneficial role of immunisation in preventing infection.