Anaesthetic Considerations and Care of the Paediatric Patients

These flashcards cover the fundamental concepts and key considerations related to anesthetic care in pediatric patients, highlighting the differences between pediatric and adult patients.

What is paediatrics?

Paediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the health and care of children from birth to 18 years.

Who is known as the father of paediatrics?

Abraham Jacobi (1830-1919) is known as the father of paediatrics.

How does pediatric medicine differ from adult medicine?

Pediatric medicine differs from adult medicine due to the physiological differences and smaller body sizes of children, especially infants, and because children cannot make decisions for themselves.

What are the age ranges for different pediatric classifications?

Newborn: 1st 24 hours, Neonate: 1st 30 days, Infant: 1st year, Toddler: 1-3 years, Small child: 4-12 years, Adolescent: 13-16 years.

What is the formula for estimating body weight in children aged 3 months to 1 year?

The formula is (age (n) in months + 9)/2.

What anatomical changes in children affect airway management?

Children have a large tongue to mouth ratio, a large head relative to the body, a short neck, and a more anterior larynx.

What are the physiological changes in children that impact anesthetic care?

Children have increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate, and a higher metabolic rate compared to adults.

What is the importance of thermoregulation in neonates during anesthetic management?

Neonates have immature thermoregulation, are prone to hypothermia due to lack of brown fat, and have increased body surface area leading to higher heat loss.

What preoperative management steps are critical for pediatric patients?

Establishing rapport, allaying anxiety, evaluating fitness for anesthesia, administering premedication, and planning the anesthetic technique.

What are the roles of Anaesthetic Technicians during intraoperative management?

They check patient materials, attach monitors, assist in IV line setup, and ensure a thermoneutral environment for the patient.

What key changes in a child's anatomy and physiology must be understood for successful surgical outcomes?

Understanding that children are not miniature adults and have significant anatomical and physiological differences that affect anesthetic management.