HEALTH GUIDES

• BURNS

  Flood the burned area immediately and continuously with ice cold water. Apply no ointments. Call the office at (401) 633-1100.

• CHOKING

  Do not give children under five years of age nuts, popcorn, hard candy, chewing gum, or whole hotdogs to eat because of the danger of choking. Do not give children under five years of age balloons to play with for the same reason. Toys larger than the child’s mouth are preferable.

• CUTS

  Cuts that stand open usually require sutures. Phone before coming to the office. The bleeding from cuts should be stopped promptly by direct pressure on the cut using a clean cloth. Usually, cuts in the mouth do not require treatment unless bleeding is not easily controlled or the laceration is large.

• DOSING CHART

   

  

• FEVER

  Fever is usually a sign of infection. More important than the height of the fever is the cause of the fever. The initial management of fever is Acetaminophen or Tylenol, Tempra, etc. Ibuprofen may be used in children older than 6 months. Do not give aspirin.  Click here to view the Acetaminophen/Tylenol Dosage Charts.

   

  Infants under 2 months of age with even a low grade fever (>100.4) are of special concern. Of course, extreme

  drowsiness or irritability and poor feeding even in the absence of fever warrants an examination.

   

  Seizures:

  A small percentage of children will have a tendency to have seizures with a rapid rise in temperature. They are generally brief, lasting 3 to 5 minutes. Brief seizures are often accompanied by much rattling in the throat and some blueness but are not considered dangerous. Do not put objects in the child’s mouth. Lay the child on left side with his head lower than his hips. Apply cold cloths to the head. Sponge the entire body with tepid water. Give nothing by mouth. Call the office immediately. If the child is not breathing or the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, call 911.

   

• FRACTURES

  If there is an obvious deformity or fracture, it is best to take your child to the Emergency Room.

• HEAD INJURIES

  In general, if there is no unconsciousness, vomiting, prolonged pain, or unusual drowsiness an examination by the physician is not necessary. You should check with us by phone if there is any question in your mind regarding the seriousness of the injury. Cold compresses may be used for swelling in the absence of worrisome signs.

• INSECT STINGS

  Calamine lotion or a hydrocortisone cream may be used for mild itching. Benadryl may be given orally if itching or swelling are more prominent.

• POISON INGESTION & OVERDOSE

  Call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222 or 911) immediately. Medicines, poisons, insecticides, and other household chemicals should be kept out of the reach of children and locked away. Ask for safety caps on all medicine bottles.

• VOMITING

  Vomiting without other symptoms should be treated by giving nothing by mouth for the first 1 to 2 hours, followed by frequent, small amounts of clear liquids as tolerated. In infants, the use of Pedialyte for up to 24 hours is by far the best fluid to maintain hydration. Marked decrease in urine output is a very significant sign of dehydration. Call if vomiting persists or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as restlessness, excessive drowsiness, or rapid breathing.

• FLU VACCINES / CLINICS

  Please call for information regarding flu clinic dates and times.

   

  The following criteria needs to be met prior to receiving a flu shot.

  1. You must bring a current insurance card.

  2. You must have had a physical exam within the past year.

   

  At this time we will be asking you update your contact information as well as providing you with written information regarding new policies at Children’s Medical Group.

   

  Please call prior to coming in to confirm clinic and vaccine availability.

  For additional information please visit the www.health.ri.gov site as well as the www.CDC.gov web site.

   

• CHILD SEAT & SEATBELT LAWS

  Rhode Island Child Restraint and Seat Belt Laws RI GL LAW – 31-22-22

  (f) Any passenger thirteen (13) years of age or older, in any seating position, shall be transported properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system.

  (g) A motor vehicle operator shall be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system.

  *NOTE: Vehicle operator is responsible for compliance of sections (a) (b) and (f) for all passengers.

  The fine for being unrestrained is $85

   

  New Child Passenger Safety Law

  •  Children under age eight (8) years old, less than fifty-seven (57) inches (4 feet, 9 inches) tall and weighing less that 80 lbs. (max weight limit of a booster seat) must be transported in any rear seating position of a motor vehicle and properly restrained in a child restraint system.

   

  •  Children between the ages of 8 through 12 as a passenger in any seating position shall be properly wearing a safety belt.

   

  EXCEPTIONS:

  Children under age eight (8) years are exempt from being transported in any rear seating position if:

  (i) the vehicle has no backseat (i.e. pickup, sports car)

  (ii) all rear seating positions are already being utilized by other children.

   

  NOTE: In the (ii) situation, the oldest child should ride in the front seat if vehicle is equipped with a passenger side air bag. The fine for a child riding in the front seat or over 8 years old not in a seatbelt is $85. A violation for transporting a child not in a child restraint system requires an appearance in court.

   

© 2015 CHILDREN'S MEDICAL GROUP