It does surprise me, working in the ER, that often times parents don’t have basic medications on hand. So, in an effort to right this, I’m providing a list of medications, from an ER nurse’s perspective, that are good to keep in stock and make sure aren’t expired.

1. Acetaminophen: The fever reducer, pain medication appropriate for every age group. This is otherwise known as Tylenol. Here are a few things to consider. Check with your physician before treating an infant who is less than 2 months old with acetaminophen. Often times in this age group, we want to know what their actual temperature is and then once we know, we can give them a dose in the ER. Infants older than two months, you’re generally okay to give the recommended dose for pain/fever. Tylenol can be given every four hours.
2. Ibuprofen: Good as a fever reducer, pain medication and anti-inflammatory. This is otherwise known as Motrin and Advil.  Ibuprofen should not be given to infants less than six months old. This is due to the concern for adverse effects in this age group. In the case of concern for sprain, strain, or fracture—Ibuprofen is the preferred drug of choice for its anti-inflammatory properties. The recommended dose can be given every six hours.
3. Diphenhydramine: Good to have on hand for simple hives and itchy rashes. Otherwise known as Benadryl. Often times, it’s okay to give Benadryl for concern of allergic reaction but they need to be seen in the ED if this is why you administered it. The recommended dose can be given every six hours.
4. Pedialyte/Sports Drinks: To have on hand for concern for dehydration related to vomiting and diarrhea. Pedialyte or generic equivalent is generally recommended for kids 2 and under. Sports drink preparations for kids 3 and up are okay. Better to have it on hand than have to worry about braving the weather. Isn’t there always two feet of snow on the ground when your child get’s sick?

One medication not to have on hand, unless specifically told by a physician to give, is aspirin. If aspirin is given during a viral illness, it increases the risk of your child having Reye’s Syndrome. You might be surprised at some medications that actually have aspirin in them—like the adult preparation of the thick, pink, chalky substance given for nausea. Check the label. If it says salicylate acid—that’s aspirin.

Jordyn Redwood has served the pediatric population and their families for many years. She has five years of experience in the pediatric ICU and ten years of pediatric ER nursing which is the area she currently works. Jordyn also teaches CPR and advanced resuscitation courses.

Jordyn is also a suspense author. Her novel, Proof, will be published by Kregel June 1, 2012. She also hosts a medical blog for authors which you can find at www.jordynredwood.com.

 

Disclaimer: Remember, these posts are for education and discussion. If your child is sick and you think they require medical attention, take them to their pediatrician or local emergency department.

Determining if your child’s pain is significant enough can be a quagmire for every parent. After all, kids can complain a lot about pain. Does this pain represent something I should truly be concerned about? Here are some things to consider to help determine whether your child’s pain is significant enough to be evaluated by a doctor.

1. It wakes them up in the middle of the night.

2. It stops their normal activities. They don’t want to play. You offer them ice cream and cookies and they turn their nose at you. If you have a teen, they stop texting.

3. It limits their normal functioning. Meaning, they can’t walk normally. They won’t bear weight on the extremity. They won’t use an arm. You ask them to touch their chin to their neck and they simply can’t. They lie on the couch all day.

4. You give pain medication and it doesn’t lessen or resolve the pain. Pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter analgesics is concerning and should be evaluated.

5. It’s associated with other symptoms. Fever, stiff neck, rashes, vomiting and diarrhea to name a few.

Children will often complain of headaches and stomach aches. Often times, nothing serious is going on but how can you be sure?

My youngest, who is now seven, used to complain about stomach pain a lot. How do I tell the difference between her wanting attention and something truly physical going on? At the time, she didn’t have any other symptoms… just the pain. After several of these episodes, I took her to her pediatrician for an exam. He didn’t find anything concerning. I think this should be done for headaches and other complaints of pain as well. Take them to their pediatrician first for an exam.

If the pediatrician is not concerned, here’s something to try to see how bothersome the pain is. This is done only if the child has no other signs or symptoms (injury, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or funny rash). You have just the complaint of pain and the pediatrician has given the “all clear”. This is good to try around age 4-5 and up. Once adolescence hits, it may not be as effective.

Your child comes up to you. “Mommy, my tummy hurts.”

“Okay, sweetheart. I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. What I need you to do since you’ve told me you’re not feeling well is to go lie on your bed. No reading. No playing. No games. No TV (hopefully your five-year-old doesn’t have a TV in their room). I need you to rest for 30 minutes and then we’ll see how you feel.”

Fifteen minutes later. My daughter comes down. “I’m feeling better now.”

“Oh, honey. That’s great! But, since you told me you weren’t feeling well I do need you to lie down for the full 30 minutes. So, back upstairs you go and I’ll tell you when the rest of your time is up.”

Back up she goes. Time is up. The rest of the day there are no further complaints.

Next day:

“Mommy, my tummy hurts.”

Rinse… repeat.

Ten minutes later this time… my daughter comes down. Again, I send her back upstairs to lie on her bed doing nothing but resting. Have them rest the full 30 minutes.

Strangely, that curbed her complaints of abdominal pain and she remained a happy, healthy child.

What are your thoughts? Do you think a strategy like this could work for you?

Jordyn Redwood has served the pediatric population and their families for many years. She has five years of experience in the pediatric ICU and ten years of pediatric ER nursing which is the area she currently works. Jordyn also teaches CPR and advanced resuscitation courses.

Jordyn is also a suspense author. Her novel, Proof, will be published by Kregel June 1, 2012. She also hosts a medical blog for authors which you can find at www.jordynredwood.com.

 

Disclaimer: Remember, these posts are for education and discussion. If your child is sick and you think they require medical attention, take them to their pediatrician or local emergency department.