Category: Learning

DKA in Kids

Diabetic Ketoacidosis – remember in paediatrics this may be the 1st presentation of diabetes.

  • Fluid – are more considered than adults due to the risk of cerebral oedema
  • Insulin – WAIT – need 1hr of fluid first
  • Paeds – involve them early
  • USE the BSPED DKA Management flow charts, calculators and full guidelines for when electrolytes won’t play ball which are all linked below.

DKA Management Calculator (recommended by paediatrics)- HERE

DKA Management Flow Chart – HERE

Full CHT DKA Guideline – HERE

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Diabetic Hyperglycaemia (Kids)

Diabetic children sometimes attend ED with hyperglycaemia, but not in DKA (what should we do?)

Paeds have produced some advice to follow:

  1. Ketones over 0.6?
    • <0.6: Encourage fluids & food, may need an insulin correction
    • >0.6: ask Question 2
  2. Are there clinical features of DKA?
    • NO: Encourage fluids & food, decide Insulin correction, will need to be monitored
    • YES: Will need Paeds admission

Knee (Cricket) splints

Used for a several types of knee injury, the knee splint provides support and comfort to the knee joint, whilst allowing for the patient to weight bear as appropriate.

The below indicative video demonstrates application of a leading brand.

The process is very similar with other manufacturers, but the specific manufacturer’s instruction should be adhered to for the splint applied.

Splints should be applied next to the skin, and certainly not over baggy clothing, as this may lead to movement of the splint, not providing the correct support.

Wool and Crepe Bandaging

Single and Double layer wool and crepe bandaging

Most commonly in the ED setting used to gently restrict movement of a joint, either due to injury of the sturcutres of the joint, or in order prevent stressing of wound closure.

The below shows a double wool and crepe bandage to the knee, which is also known as a Robert Jones bandage, the technique can be applied to other limbs, and for a single layer simply stop after the first layer of bandage is applied.

Robert Jones bandages are useful in the absence of appropriately sized knee splints, or if the patient is unable to tolerate a splint.

Note that although the text of the video states to finish mid-calf the bandage material should be extended past the calf to the top of the ankle as is the practice shown.