Neonatal resuscitation
Article Abstract:
Six percent of newborns need some kind of life support, and this is especially true of premature infants and those who weigh less than 1500 grams. The mother's prenatal history may often predict problems in the newborn infant, allowing the delivery team to be well prepared. The newborn infant is susceptible to cold and should be placed under a warmer. A towel under its head will maintain the airway and allow the infant's nose and mouth to be suctioned. This alone may cause the infant to begin breathing. Some infants have an oxygen deficiency at birth. Oxygen can be administered through a bag and mask or through an endotracheal tube. If the heart rate is less than 80 beats per minute, the breastbone should be compressed using the thumbs of both hands. Epinephrine can stimulate the heart, and normal saline can be given to replace lost fluids. Suctioning of meconium is especially important in infants at risk of meconium aspiration.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Pediatric advanced life support
Article Abstract:
Cardiac and/or respiratory arrest in children usually occurs after a lengthy deterioration in cardiac and respiratory function. Consequently, it can be prevented, and this should be the focus of advanced life support in children. Advanced life support for children is similar to that provided to adults. It includes endotracheal intubation, which involves passing a tube down the windpipe to maintain the airway and administer oxygen. Mechanical devices used to compress the chest in adults are not useful in children. The most common disturbances of heart rhythm in children are atrial tachycardia and bradyarrhythmia (slow heartbeat). Most of these arrhythmias are caused by metabolic abnormalities. Resuscitation can include the use of epinephrine, glucose, and sodium bicarbonate. Defibrillators, cardioverters and pacemakers may also be needed.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Pediatric basic life support
Article Abstract:
Injury is a common cause of death in children, and is often a result of motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, submersion, burns and firearm accidents. Cardiac arrest is unusual in children, but respiratory arrest is more common and easily treatable. CPR in children is similar to that in adults, except that only one hand is used to compress the chest, while the other hand tilts the child's head back to maintain the airway. The compression rate should be at least 100 times a minute in an infant and 100 times a minute in a child. Rescue breathing should be done after every five compressions. A series of back blows and chest thrusts can be used on an infant to dislodge a foreign object blocking the airway. In a child, the Heimlich maneuver can be used.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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