ABSTRACT
The presentation of shock in an infant can be subtle, yet must be recognized and treated very quickly to prevent decompensation and cardiopulmonary arrest. Treatment must begin as soon as shock is noted and before or along with the evaluation to establish the etiology of the shock. This case report illustrates these principles by describing an infant with sickle cell anemia who presented to the emergency department in shock after sustaining a fall.
Subject(s)
Accidental Falls , Anemia, Sickle Cell/diagnosis , Craniocerebral Trauma/diagnosis , Shock, Traumatic/diagnosis , Anemia, Sickle Cell/complications , Anemia, Sickle Cell/therapy , Craniocerebral Trauma/complications , Craniocerebral Trauma/therapy , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Infant , Risk Assessment , Shock, Traumatic/etiology , Shock, Traumatic/therapyABSTRACT
Pediatric poisoning is a problem commonly encountered in the emergency department. After stabilization of airway, breathing, and circulation, one of the goals of treatment is decontamination in order to limit poison absorption and the resulting systemic toxicity. Decontamination modalities include gastric emptying (ipecac and gastric lavage), inhibiting absorption (activated charcoal), and catharsis (sorbital, magnesium citrate, and whole bowel irrigation). Each modality is discussed. Choice of modality by the practitioner must be individualized to each patient's situation.