Browse Pediatric Emergency Medicine Articles by Topic

Nurse-Driven Screening Protocol Seeks Flu Vaccine for Every Eligible Child in ED

Frustrated with low vaccination rates, the ED at Children’s Wisconsin in Milwaukee implemented a screening protocol to offer the flu vaccine to every eligible child who presents for care. Now in its third year, the nurse-driven intervention has proven successful, with leaders working to expand the approach ahead of an expected COVID-19 vaccine.

Fever in the Returning Pediatric Traveler

Although, currently, there are travel restrictions in many countries, this will pass. Acute care physicians need to have an awareness of diseases that are prevalent in other countries to accurately diagnose, manage, and treat patients traveling to and from other parts of the world. The authors present an incredibly valuable synopsis of fever and differential of fever in returning pediatric travelers

Pediatric Musculoskeletal Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Everything but the Bones

Ultrasound is an incredible tool that keeps becoming more valuable. In this article, the authors show how point-of-care ultrasound of the musculoskeletal system can help clinicians identify a diversity of diseases, including soft tissue infections, abscesses, and foreign bodies! In a later issue, the authors explore the use of ultrasound to identify bone and joint issues.

Teen Pregnancy Part 1: The First Trimester

Acute care providers will frequently encounter an adolescent with a new diagnosis of pregnancy or a known pregnancy (complicated or uncomplicated). The unique features of teenage pregnancy are critical to be familiar with, so as not to miss the diagnosis of pregnancy or identify a complication and initiate timely, appropriate management.

Pandemic-Driven Mental Health Problems Emerge in Children Presenting to ED

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close, children with developmental delays and intellectual disabilities lost a structured environment. This has led to growing frustration and burnout among children, parents, and other caregivers.

ED-Based Response Center Helps with Children’s Mental Health Needs

Responding to an identified need in the community, Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham created a Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) to prioritize mental health care for youth. Mental healthcare professionals divide their time between assessing patients who present to the emergency department with mental health concerns and providing guidance to families who call the PIRC for help.

The Tactics and Tools to Manage Pediatric Heart Failure

Fortunately, pediatric heart failure is a rare occurrence, but early diagnosis, aggressive management, and timely transfer to a facility capable of advanced cardiac support are essential to optimize the outcome of each child. The authors review the early recognition of a child in heart failure and also discuss an approach to troubleshooting and recognizing complications associated with a ventricular assist device.

Pediatric Asthma Management in the Emergency Department

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Children with asthma frequently present in the acute care setting with disease ranging from mild to severe. Accurately assessing children with asthma and providing escalating care as needed improves outcome. The authors provide a current review of asthma and evidence-based care.

Poor Outcomes More Likely if ED Is Ill Prepared for Children

Critically ill children die at a lower rate if they present to an emergency department with a higher pediatric readiness score, according to the authors a recent analysis.

6 Common Fact Patterns in Pediatric-Related ED Lawsuits

Certain fact patterns arise repeatedly in malpractice cases involving pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department. Medical/legal experts identify and explain these patterns.