Tanda Bahaya Umum - MTBS

Summary

This script provides critical guidelines for assessing the health of a child in distress, highlighting key warning signs such as inability to drink or nurse, vomiting, seizures, restlessness, lethargy, abnormal breathing (stridor), cyanosis, and cold extremities. It outlines immediate actions to take, such as administering diazepam for seizures, ensuring proper oxygen intake for respiratory distress, and warming the child to prevent hypothermia. The emphasis is on early detection and rapid response to prevent serious complications and ensure the child receives urgent medical care.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always check for general danger signs when a child is sick, such as inability to drink or feed, vomiting, seizures, or lethargy.
• 😀 A child is considered unable to drink or feed if they cannot drink at all, or if they vomit all food and drink, or have difficulty swallowing.
• 😀 Ask if the child has experienced any seizures during this illness, as seizures are a significant danger sign.
• 😀 Be alert to signs of restlessness or lethargy in the child, and ask the parent if the child seems more agitated than usual.
• 😀 If the child is difficult to wake, unresponsive, or staring blankly, this could indicate severe illness and a danger sign.
• 😀 A child is considered lethargic if they do not react to gentle shaking or verbal cues, which indicates a state of altered consciousness.
• 😀 Stridor is a dangerous breathing sound that occurs when the child inhales, indicating a serious respiratory condition.
• 😀 Cyanosis (bluish discoloration) or pallor in the child's extremities, along with cold hands and feet, are also warning signs of severe illness.
• 😀 If any of the following signs are present—unable to drink, vomiting all fluids, seizures, restlessness, lethargy, stridor, cyanosis, or cold extremities—the child is considered critically ill and requires immediate medical intervention.
• 😀 Immediate actions should include administering Diazepam if seizures are occurring, ensuring the airway is clear if there is stridor, providing oxygen, warming the child if needed, and ensuring blood sugar levels are stable. Immediate referral to medical facilities is essential.

Q & A

What are the primary danger signs to check for in a child with illness?

The primary danger signs include: inability to drink or breastfeed, vomiting all food or drink, experiencing seizures, restlessness or lethargy, unconsciousness, stridor (harsh breathing sounds), cyanosis (blue or pale skin), and cold extremities.

What should be done if a child cannot drink or breastfeed?

If the child cannot drink or breastfeed at all, it indicates a danger sign. If the child is drinking but vomiting or unable to swallow, it also signals a potential danger.

What are the implications of a child having seizures during an illness?

If a child has seizures during an illness, it is considered a danger sign and requires immediate attention.

How should you assess whether a child is lethargic or unconscious?

To assess lethargy or unconsciousness, check if the child is unusually sleepy, hard to wake up, or unresponsive to sounds or gentle shaking. If they don’t respond, it suggests they may be unconscious or severely lethargic, both of which are danger signs.

What is stridor, and what does it indicate in a child?

Stridor is a harsh, high-pitched sound heard when the child breathes in. If it occurs when the child is calm, it suggests a potentially life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention.

What should be done if stridor is detected in a child?

If stridor is detected, it is crucial to ensure that there is no obstruction in the airway. Provide oxygen (3-5 liters per minute via nasal prongs) and consider using standard oxygen equipment with a humidifier.

What does cyanosis indicate in a child?

Cyanosis, or a bluish tint to the skin, particularly around the lips or extremities, indicates poor oxygenation and can be a sign of a serious or life-threatening condition.

What should be done if a child is displaying cyanosis and cold extremities?

If cyanosis and cold extremities are present, immediately warm the child, provide oxygen, and ensure the child’s blood sugar levels do not drop. These are emergency signs that require prompt intervention.

What immediate actions should be taken if any of the danger signs are observed?

If any of the danger signs are present (such as inability to drink, vomiting, seizures, lethargy, unconsciousness, stridor, cyanosis, etc.), the child should be urgently treated with appropriate measures, such as administering diazepam if seizures occur, providing oxygen, and preparing for immediate referral to medical care.

What is the protocol if a child is not responding to treatment for the danger signs?

If the child does not respond to treatment, such as not improving with oxygen or other measures, they must be referred immediately to a healthcare facility for further assessment and intervention.