Danger Signs in Children

Paediatric Palliative Care

For Home Based Carers

Funded by

British High Commission, Pretoria

Small Grant Scheme

Danger Signs in Children

Danger Signs in Children

Some signs in a child are known as Danger signs

You need to know how to look for them

You can save a child’s life

Some are the same as in adults

Others are different

Important Questions to Ask Carers

Is the child more sleepy than normal?

Does the child know who you are?

Is the child more irritable than normal?

©TALC

Important Questions to Ask Carers

Is the child taking fluids as normal?

Is child having as many wet nappies as usual?

Are the nappies as wet?©TALC

Important Questions to Ask Carers

Has the child had a fit?

Does the child have difficulty in breathing?

If so: Is it affecting his feeding?

Does it stop him from talking or crying?

Important Danger Signs: Refer Immediately

General

Lethargy

Floppy

Increased tone: “stiff”

Fits

Unable to recognise family ©TALC

Important Danger Signs: Refer Immediately

Severe Dehydration

Lethargic or unconscious

Sunken eyes

Not able to drink or drinking poorly

Slow Skin Pinch©TALC

Important Danger Signs: Refer Immediately

Increased Respiratory rate with:

Cyanosis or

Chest indrawing or

Using neck muscles to help breath

©TALC

Important Danger Signs: Refer Immediately

Nervous System

Bulging fontanelle

Stiff Neck

Fit