Paediatrics - Queensland Health - Queensland Government

Gastrointestinal problems
Acute gastroenteritis and dehydration
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Recommend
Always contact MO immediately if baby is < 3 months or the child has any of the
following:
- - is sick or febrile with temperature over 38°C or under 35.5°C
- - irritable
- - high pitched or weak cry
- - sleepy
- - not feeding well
-- increased respiratory rate:
○ 40 rpm
○ 1 - 2 years >35 rpm
○ 2 - 5 years > 30 bpm
○ 5 - 12 years >25 rpm
○ 12 years and older >20 rpm
-- respiratory distress
- - apnoea
- - dehydration
- - abdominal distension
-- persistent / bilious vomiting and no diarrhoea (consider other diagnoses)
Other high risk children include:
-- excessive diarrhoea (> 8 watery stools in 24 hours)
- - those with congenital or chronic disease e.g. cardiac, gastrointestinal or
neurological
- - where social conditions are concerning and / or where the parents may have
difficulty managing at home
Always consider other infections. Any infection can cause diarrhoea or vomiting
Related topics
Intraosseous cannulation DRS ABCD resuscitation / the collapsed patient
Shock
1. May present with
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Cramping abdominal pain
• Irritability in the young child
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Lethargy, floppy, unresponsive
2. Immediate management
• Perform standard clinical observations +
-- O saturations
2
-- level of consciousness
• Consult MO immediately if any risk factors present or moderate / severe
dehydration
• Commence rehydration according to MO advice
Primary Clinical Care Manual 2011 Controlled copy V 1.0 603