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In this powerful and heartfelt discussion authored by Melissa "Missy" Reynolds, longtime PICU nurse manager and passionate advocate for bereavement care, we explore how to better support families facing the unimaginable loss of a child.

Missy shares lessons drawn from years of experience, along with insights recently presented at the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. The conversation touches on key needs of grieving families—preserving memories, honest communication without medical jargon, creating space for meaningful final moments, and helping parents find a sense of peace in knowing they were the best possible advocate for their child.

We also examine how to thoughtfully support families involved in organ donation, navigate different cultural and spiritual needs, and avoid common phrases that can unintentionally deepen a family's pain. Grounded in both research and real-world compassion, this episode offers practical guidance and emotional wisdom for every provider who walks alongside families through their hardest days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZBTYViDPlQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phUUjk_btiY

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References:

Kline-Tilford, A. M., & Haut, C. (2020). Cases in pediatric acute care: Strengthening clinical decision making. Wiley-Blackwell.

Additional Resources:

PICU Essentials on the App Store (apple.com)

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The podcast episode highlights some crucial points about pediatric blunt abdominal trauma and how it differs from trauma in adults, particularly in terms of diagnosis and management.

Key Takeaways:

1. Risk Factors in Children:
   • Children are more vulnerable to serious abdominal injuries (liver, spleen, kidneys) due to factors like thinner abdominal walls, minimal rib coverage, and smaller organs.
   • The spleen is the most commonly injured organ, followed by the kidneys.
   • These injuries can often go unrecognized but can be fatal if not treated properly.
2. Diagnostic Tools:
   • FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma): While this ultrasound is useful for detecting free fluid in the abdomen, it’s less reliable in children. A negative FAST doesn’t necessarily rule out intra-abdominal injury.
   • CT Scans: A more reliable option for detecting injuries like grade IV liver lacerations.
   • Laboratory Tests: Blood work (CBC, CMP, PT, PTT, INR, Amylase, and Lipase) can help assess the severity of the injury and monitor for complications like hemorrhage or organ dysfunction.
   • Type and Screen: Important for determining blood type in case a transfusion is needed.
3. Management:
   • Fluid resuscitation (e.g., 20ml/kg of isotonic fluids) to address any signs of shock or dehydration.
   • Monitoring: Regular assessments through serial abdominal exams and lab draws are essential to track the patient’s progress.
   • Invasive Interventions:
     • Operative Intervention: Surgery may be necessary for severe injuries or if there’s ongoing bleeding or organ damage.
     • Angioembolization: Can be used to control bleeding, especially in cases of splenic or hepatic trauma.
     • Ureteral Stenting: If there’s involvement of the urinary tract, stenting may be needed to maintain urine flow and prevent further injury.
4. Post-Injury Care:
   • Activity Restriction:
     • For injuries graded 2 or higher, activity restrictions are typically enforced for about two weeks to allow healing.
     • The child must follow up in the clinic to be cleared for sports or physical activity.
   • Hypertension (HTN) Management: If hypertension arises from the injury, it should be treated outpatient after discharge, as some patients may lack follow-up care post-discharge.
5. Indications for Escalation:
   • Warning Signs: Changes in hemodynamic stability, fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, or altered mental status should prompt immediate reevaluation and escalation of care.

Click the link below for images discussed in the podcast:
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References:

Kline-Tilford, A. M., & Haut, C. (2020). Cases in pediatric acute care: Strengthening clinical decision making. Wiley-Blackwell.

Additional Resources:

PICU Essentials on the App Store (apple.com)

PICU Essentials - Apps on Google Play

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In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). What happens when a child experiences a brain injury? How can healthcare professionals work together to support recovery and long-term outcomes? We'll break down the causes, symptoms, and stages of recovery, highlighting the unique challenges children face compared to adults.

Join us as we talk with experts in pediatric critical care focusing on evidence-based strategies, and early warning signs to watch for, while navigating this complex journey. This episode offers valuable insights into helping young brains heal and thrive after trauma.

Tune in to learn more about creating a supportive environment for children with TBI.

Stay tuned for part 2!

Please take the survey using the link below:
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References:

Kline-Tilford, A. M., & Haut, C. (2020). Cases in pediatric acute care: Strengthening clinical decision making. Wiley-Blackwell.

Additional Resources:

PICU Essentials on the App Store (apple.com)

PICU Essentials - Apps on Google Play

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Ready to enhance your understanding of pediatric airway management? Join us for an enlightening session where we unravel the complexities of respiratory care in the Pediatric ICU with our esteemed guest, Assi Tima. With nearly two decades of experience as a respiratory therapist, Assi uncovers the critical importance of mastering respiratory equipment, especially for those new to high-pressure healthcare environments. Learn about the essentials, from the proper setup of flow meters and nasal cannulas to the pivotal role of ventilators and oscillators.

Explore the world of high-flow oxygen therapy under the guidance of our conversation, where we shine a light on non-rebreather masks and high-flow nasal cannulas. Discover the practical nuances that can make a life-saving difference, such as the real oxygen delivery percentages of these devices and the flexibility offered by various interfaces. We share troubleshooting tips that empower healthcare professionals to effectively respond to respiratory challenges and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Dive deep into the realm of advanced ventilation modes and CO2 monitoring, where cutting-edge technologies, like NAVA, are redefining respiratory support. Our discussion extends to transitioning from conventional ventilation strategies to innovative solutions like oscillators and RAM cannulas. With insights on maintaining equipment integrity and understanding the subtle dynamics of ventilation modes, this episode equips listeners with the knowledge to elevate their respiratory care practices in pediatric and neonatal settings.

Use the link below to follow along with Assi's powerpoint for a visual reference:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/27dnqwhka3djy71eo4zxu/Respiratory-Devices.pptx?rlkey=2m21j6mg2ih12u7hzj98uux1b&st=rfomd0l7&dl=0

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References:

Kline-Tilford, A. M., & Haut, C. (2020). Cases in pediatric acute care: Strengthening clinical decision making. Wiley-Blackwell.

Additional Resources:

PICU Essentials on the App Store (apple.com)

PICU Essentials - Apps on Google Play

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Patho/ Background:
Asthma flare-ups have two stages: early and late. They start when IgE antibodies produced by certain cells react to triggers such as pollen, dust, animals and many more. These antibodies attach to cells, causing the release of substances like histamines. This release tightens the airways making it harder to breathe. Certain immune cells play a crucial role in producing interleukins that communicate and sustain inflammation. These interleukins support the survival of specific cells and involve remodeling of the tissue. In the later phrase, various cells act in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties. Mast cells play a key role in transporting late-phrase reactants to inflamed areas. Recognizing these processes is essential for effective therapy, especially considering the impact on breathing. Interestingly, people with thicker airways tend to have longer-lasting issues. Inflammation and narrowing of the airways lead to breathing difficulties:

• Air trapping
• Lung hyperinflation
• Increased RR to compensate for increased pulmonary dead space
• Large negative inspiratory pressures --> increased afterload on LV causing a decrease in cardiac output (pulsus paradoxes)
• Gas exchange abnormality (V/Q mismatch)

Between 2020-2023, there were about 250-340 cases reported annually for asthma in the PICU.
 
Treatment Algorithm:
https://rc.rcjournal.com/content/respcare/62/6/849/F3.large.jpg?width=800&height=600&carousel=1

Emergency Room:

• Back to back duonebs x3
• Inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) have a rapid onset of action. These bronchodialtors work by relieving smooth muscle constriciton and relaxing the airway. Atrovent also provides smooth muscle relaxation in combination with albuerol. These therapies are administered up to 3 times back to back or at 20-30 minute intervals. 
• Systemic corticosteroids 
• Decrease airway inflammation
• Early administration has been shown to decrease hospital admission rates (administer ASAP)
• Continuous albuterol
• Magnesium
  • It is thought that magnesium relaxes the smooth muscle, but the exact mechanism of action is unknown. 

PICU:

• Take note of prior ICU admissions for status asthmatics
• Increased CO2 can cause mental status changes/ fatigue
• Child may feel sense of impending doom
• Oxygen: Assist with correcting VQ mismatch
• Fluids: Increased insensible losses
• Medications:
  • Inhaled beta agonists
  • Corticosteroids: decrease inflammation and mucous production
  • IV Beta Agonists: terbutaline
  • Anticholinergics: Bronchodilator without inhibition of mucous clearance, use in conjunction with beta agonists and steroids
  • Magnesium Sulfate
  • Ketamine
  • Isoflurane
  • Intubation (air trapping)
    • Can cause emergency air leak syndromes
      • pneumothorax
      • pneumomediastinum
      • pulmonary interstitial emphysema

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References:

Kline-Tilford, A. M., & Haut, C. (2020). Cases in pediatric acute care: Strengthening clinical decision making. Wiley-Blackwell.

Additional Resources:

PICU Essentials on the App Store (apple.com)

PICU Essentials - Apps on Google Play

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus is an infection starts in the back of the nose and throat, where it replicates.  It then moves to the small airways in the lungs, causing a lower respiratory tract infection within 1 to 3 days. If this happens, it results in swelling, more mucus, and eventual damage and healing of the cells lining the airways. This process leads to blockage of small airways, air trapping, and increased difficultly in breathing. 

The time it takes for symptoms to appear varies from 2 to 8 days. The virus can be spread from 3 to 8 days, and in young infants; it might continue for up to 4 weeks. 

In 2020, there were 94 cases of bronchiolitis in the PICU. The numbers increased to 239 cases in 2021 and further to 260 cases in 2022. In 2023, there has been a decline in cases, with 53 reported as of November.

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References:

Kline-Tilford, A. M., & Haut, C. (2020). Cases in pediatric acute care: Strengthening clinical decision making. Wiley-Blackwell.

Additional Resources:

PICU Essentials on the App Store (apple.com)

PICU Essentials - Apps on Google Play