Pediatrics and Geriatrics

• Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels

• Normal mean corpuscular vol (MCV)

Hematological features of iatrogenic anemia

EMLA

Topical anesthetic containing lidocaine and prilocaine

1

EMLA takes _______ hour(s) for it to anesthetize the area.

tubing allows flexibility if the child moves

Why is a 23-gauge butterfly needle used for venipuncture in children

ANA, RA, RF

Test used to diagnose lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect nervous system function

CBC

Determine hemoglobin levels, detect infection, identify blood disorders

BUN/creatinine

Diagnose kidney function disorders - cause confusion, coma, seizures, tremors

calcium/magnesium

Identify abnormal levels associated with seizures and muscle problems

electrolytes

Determine sodium and potassium levels; critical to proper nervous system function

ESR

Detect inflammation, identify collagen vascular (connective tissue) diseases

glucose

Detect and monitor diabetes; abnormal levels can cause confusion, seizures, coma or peripheral neuropathy

PT/PTT

Monitor blood-thinning meds; important in heart conditions, coag problems, stroke management

SPEP, IPEP

Identify protein or immune globulin disorders that lead to nerve damage

VDRL/FTA

Diagnose or rule out syphilis, which can cause nerve damage and dementia

osteoarthritis

Occurs with aging and results from joint injury. Hips and knees most commonly affected

rheumatoid arthritis

Affects connective tissue throughout the body, occurs at any age.

collapse

A tourniquet that is too tight can cause the vein to …

dialysis

Procedure where pts whose kidneys don’t function adequately have their blood artificially filtered to remove waste products

diabetes

The most common cause of ESRD is …

AV shunt or fistula

Looks like a large bulging vein in the forearm above the wrist and causes a buzzing sensation called a “thrill” when palpated