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Difficulties with assessment and management of an infant's distress in the postoperative period: Optimising opportunities for interdisciplinary information-sharing

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Version 2 2024-06-17, 22:58
Version 1 2017-04-06, 10:46
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-17, 22:58 authored by Carlye Weiner, Sueann Penrose, Elizabeth ManiasElizabeth Manias, Noel Cranswick, Ellie Rosenfeld, Fiona Newall, Allison Williams, Narelle Borrott, Sharon Kinney
Objectives: The importance of accurate paediatric patient assessment is well established but under-utilised in managing postoperative medication regimens. Methods: Data for this case report were collected through observations of clinical practice, conduct of interviews, and retrieval of information from the medical record. This case report involving a hospitalised 1-year-old boy demonstrates the difficulties associated with assessing and managing postoperative distress, including pain and other clinical conditions related to the surgical procedure. Results: Postoperatively, there were difficulties in managing pain and an episode of over-sedation, occasioning opiate reversal with naloxone. In addition, he had decreasing oxygen saturation and increased work of breathing. X-ray showed changes consistent with either atelectasis or aspiration, and he was commenced on antibiotics. The patient experienced respiratory distress and required intervention from the medical emergency team. Conclusion: This case demonstrated the importance of comprehensive assessment and careful consideration of alternative causes of an infant’s distress using the results of assessment tools to aid decision-making. Communication moderates effective patient care, and more favourable outcomes could be achieved by optimising interdisciplinary information-sharing.

History

Journal

SAGE OPEN MEDICAL CASE REPORTS

Volume

4

Location

England

Open access

  • Yes

ISSN

2050-313X

eISSN

2050-313X

Language

English

Publication classification

C Journal article, C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2016, The Authors

Publisher

SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC