Presented By: Justin Milici, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, CFRN, CCRN June 2016
June 2016

Infants and children have strong compensatory mechanisms that may mask a serious illness or injury. Very subtle signs and symptoms may make the pediatric patient appear “normal” when in fact, they may be seriously ill. This presentation discusses how these strong compensatory mechanisms can mask serious illness or injury and make the patient present with very vague symptoms. Assessment techniques are discussed on how to look for those “red flags” in the ill or injured pediatric patient.

Objectives:

• Discuss how the unique anatomic and physiological characteristics of infants and children can manifest subtle signs and symptoms of a serious injury or illness
• Discuss various serious illness or injury states that can appear as minor in the infant or child
• Describe assessment techniques that may uncover a more serious condition in the otherwise healthy appearance of the ill or injured infant and child