Pediatric Respiratory Assessment-Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Lecture

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Lisa Stevens, a clinical educator in respiratory therapy at Cardinal Glennon, presents a detailed review of pediatric respiratory illness assessment and management, particularly in children under two with viruses like RSV and rhinovirus. She emphasizes the importance of thorough initial assessment—monitoring respiratory rate, nasal flaring (an unfakeable distress sign), retractions, wheezing, feeding ability, and signs of dehydration. Lisa introduces a respiratory severity scoring system adapted from Seattle Children's to standardize assessment and guide care escalation.<br /><br />Key management involves frequent nasal suctioning, especially nasal pharyngeal suctioning, to clear secretions, along with supportive care such as Tylenol for discomfort and hydration. She notes that therapies like albuterol, hypertonic saline, chest physiotherapy, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and racemic epinephrine are generally not recommended for typical bronchiolitis cases, as they may cause harm or unnecessary escalation. High flow nasal cannula (OptiFlow Junior) is reserved for moderate to severe cases.<br /><br />Family education on suction techniques and recognizing distress signs is critical to preventing readmissions. Patients can be safely discharged when stable with a low severity score, no oxygen needs, adequate feeding, and proper follow-up plans. Lisa underscores vigilance for rapid deterioration signs like lethargy or increased work of breathing to prevent respiratory failure. Overall, the presentation stresses evidence-based, minimal intervention supportive care tailored by severity scoring to optimize outcomes in pediatric respiratory illness.

Keywords

pediatric respiratory illness

RSV

respiratory assessment

severity scoring system

nasal suctioning

bronchiolitis management

family education