Danger Signs in Children Paediatric Palliative Care For Home Based Carers Funded by British High Commission, Pretoria Small Grant Scheme

Danger Signs in Children

 Some signs in a child are known as Danger signs  You need to know how to look for them  You can save a child’s life  Some are the same as in adults  Others are different

Important Questions to Ask Carers  Is the child more sleepy than normal?  Does the child know who you are?  Is the child more irritable than normal? ©TALC

Important Questions to Ask Carers  Is the child taking fluids as normal?  Is child having as many wet nappies as usual?  Are the nappies as wet? ©TALC

Important Questions to Ask Carers  Has the child had a fit?  Does the child have difficulty in breathing?  If so:  Is it affecting his feeding?  Does it stop him from talking or crying?

Important Danger Signs: Refer Immediately General  Lethargy  Floppy  Increased tone: “stiff”  Fits  Unable to recognise family ©TALC

Important Danger Signs: Refer Immediately Severe Dehydration  Lethargic or unconscious  Sunken eyes  Not able to drink or drinking poorly  Slow Skin Pinch ©TALC

Important Danger Signs: Refer Immediately Increased Respiratory rate with:  Cyanosis or  Chest indrawing or  Using neck muscles to help breath ©TALC

Important Danger Signs: Refer Immediately Nervous System  Bulging fontanelle  Stiff Neck  Fit