Children are Not Small Adults
By Lifesaver Education
Our tendency is to look at children as being smaller versions of adults physically. However, nothing is farther from the truth. There are numerous differences between adults and children physically, and knowledge of these differences is important to anyone in healthcare who cares for children.
Some of these differences are:
Body surface area to body mass ratio- children have a greater body surface area (BSA) compared to body mass ratio than do adults. This is important when calculating the percentage of BSA affected by burns. This also means that children are at greater risk for heat loss and dehydration. They may also be more susceptible to toxins absorbed through the skin.
Airway differences- in children, their tongues are larger in comparison to other structures, their airways are smaller and the epiglottis is shaped differently than in adults. Children are more prone to blockage of their airway when their head is not properly positioned. Children are also more prone to respiratory distress when the airways are inflamed or infected, which may result in respiratory arrest.
Less protection of internal organs- children’s internal organs are less well protected than adults for several reasons: ribs are pliable, thus organs of the chest and upper abdomen are not as well protected; less subcutaneous fat means that internal organs are not well protected; and abdominal and chest organs are closer to the surface.
Proportionately large heads- children’s heads are proportionately larger than adults’ heads in comparison to the rest of their bodies, thus they are more prone to head injuries as a result of falls and other trauma. Their larger heads also mean that heat loss occurs more rapidly.
It is important that healthcare workers are aware of the anatomical differences between children and adults, as treatments must be modified to take these differences into account. PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) teaches healthcare workers about these differences and how they affect the care of ill and injured children. To find a Pasadena PALS class near you, visit Lifesaver Ed.
Source: Differences between children and adults
Leave a Comment
Subscribe to RSS feed
"Best CPR course I've taken in the last 15 years."
-
Carey G.
Follow us
on Facebook