(2) A child's rapid pulse may be caused by shock, fever, or oxygen
deficiency. Fear may also cause a rapid pulse.
(3) The farther away from the heart a child's peripheral pulse can be
detected, the better the child's cardiac output.
g. Fever/Temperature.
(1) Each centigrade degree of fever in a child is normally accompanied by a
10 percent increase in pulse and respiration rate.
(2) Children's temperatures are much more important than the temperatures
of adults. A child's temperature can change rapidly.
(3)
An elevated body temperature in a child can produce these results:
(a) Dehydration:
1 Nausea, vomiting, and fainting.
2 Weak and rapid pulse.
3 Pale skin.
4 Sunken eyes.
5 Shrunken tongue.
6 Skin which remains "tented" after being pinched.
7 Sunken fontanelle (the soft spot) in an infant.
(b) Convulsions. A rapid rise in body temperature may cause a child to
have convulsions.
(4)
Lower a child's temperature in this manner:
(a) Give the child fluids by mouth.
(b) Sponge bathe the child's face, hands, and feet. If necessary,
undress the child and bathe him in tepid water.
(c)
Stop bathing the child if he starts shivering.
(5) Low temperature in a child may be a sign of shock or other metabolic
problems; for example, near drowning or exposure.
MD0584
3-25