Pediatric respiratory emergencies

Question 1

When should albuterol be withheld?

Answer 1

Heart rates over 200 bpm

Question 2

What medications are indicated for severe refractory bronchospasms? What concentration, and what dose?

Answer 2

Epinephrine: Administer .01 mg/kilograms of 1:1000 IM.

Magnesium: 25–50 mg/kilograms in 100 ML over 2 to 5 minutes.
Maximum of 2 g.
Only administer if epinephrine is ineffective.

Question 3

What medications are administered for stridor Or suspected croup?

Answer 3

Epinephrine: 3 mg of 1:1000 in 3 mL nebulized.

Repeat x 2 as necessary- allow two minutes between doses

Epinephrine: .01 mg/kilogram of 1:1000 administered intramuscularly

Question 4

Which respiratory patients should have EKG monitoring?

Answer 4

All patients!

Question 5

What is the corticosteroid therapy?

Answer 5

Solu-medrol: 1-2 mg/kg IVP

Question 6

Should fluid be administered to pediatric patients in respiratory distress? If so, why?

Answer 6

Yes, it should be administered immediately after first line treatment with nebulized medications and epinephrine. this is because a beta agonist and epinephrine can cause tachycardia and secondary hypotension. Tachypnea and underlying illnesses can also cause dehydration, so fluid boluses should be administered liberally in these cases.