Introduction
Introduction
A primary objective of PALS is to guide providers to the recognition and appropriate management of a pediatric patient in respiratory distress or respiratory failure. Respiratory failure can develop suddenly and then deteriorate into cardiac arrest. Outcomes and survivability are better if clinicians recognize and respond rapidly to respiratory arrest before the child decompensates.
The seriously ill pediatric patient in respiratory distress may present with either an abnormal respiratory rate or abnormal respiratory effort. Tachypnea, retractions, grunting, and nasal flaring all signify increased respiratory effort. On the other end of the spectrum, bradypnea or irregular breathing patterns are characteristics of an abnormally decreased breathing effort.
It is the responsibility of the PALS provider to diagnose a seriously ill child with a treatable respiratory condition and intervene to maintain airway patency, clear the airway of obstructions, and administer oxygen. The provider must continually reassess the child in respiratory distress for signs of respiratory failure and be prepared to provide assisted bag-mask ventilation and endotracheal intubation.