Wheeze in Infants and Children: Assessment, Diagnosis and Acute Indications
This tutorial addresses the presentation and diagnosis of wheeze in infants and children, which is one of the most commonly reported paediatric symptoms in Australia. It explains the different causes of wheeze and how to accurately assess it in an infant or child, and highlights the signs and symptoms that signal a deteriorating condition. This tutorial is aimed at all nurses who come into contact with children, especially those working in primary care or emergency departments. It is one of three on the diagnosis, management and prevention of wheeze in children. We strongly recommend that nurses complete this tutorial before starting on the other two: Wheeze in Infants: Presentation and Management; and Wheeze in Children Aged Over One: Presentation and Management.
3 CPD hours
3 CNA points
This tutorial addresses the presentation and diagnosis of wheeze in infants and children, which is one of the most commonly reported paediatric symptoms in Australia. It explains the different causes of wheeze and how to accurately assess it in an infant or child, and highlights the signs and symptoms that signal a deteriorating condition.This tutorial is aimed at all nurses who come into contact with children, especially those working in primary care or emergency departments. It is one of three on the diagnosis, management and prevention of wheeze in children. We strongly recommend that nurses complete this tutorial before starting on the other two: Wheeze in Infants: Presentation and Management; and Wheeze in Children Aged Over One: Presentation and Management.
Tara De Koning RN, Grad Dip (Child and Family Health), Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
Tara has over 16 years’ experience in child health across primary, tertiary and community/ambulatory health care settings. She completed a nurse practitioner master's degree in New Zealand that focused on child health.
Sarah Adams RN, DipAppSci (Nsg); BHS (Nsg); Paediatric cardiothoracic certificate & GC NIC; MN (education)
Sarah has more than 21 years experience in critical care nursing and specialises in paediatrics and neonates. Sarah's areas of interest include retrieval, trauma & cardiac. Sarah has a passion for education and has worked in education positions in the public hospital and university sectors. Sarah is currently employed as a nurse educator in newborn care at a major tertiary Children's hospital. Sarah has commenced a second Master's degree in nursing with a view to becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
- Be able to differentiate wheeze from other respiratory sounds in children.
- Be able to identify the most common causes of wheeze in children.
- Understand the components of a comprehensive respiratory assessment in children.
- Be able to identify the signs and symptoms that signal a deteriorating condition.