The Peds NP: Pearls of Pediatric Evidence-Based Practice

Human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, is a worrisome reality that pediatric providers need to recognize and manage with speed and grace.  With tools to better understand the at risk populations that may present as hidden victims of this terrible human rights violation, we can better protect our vulnerable child and youth populations. References: Greenbaum, J., & Bodrick, N. (2017)....

Recognition of anaphylaxis can be difficult for some providers, and the courage to give epinephrine for treatment can be even more so.  Johns Hopkins Allergy & Immunology fellow, Dr. Mansi Kotwal, discusses the anaphylaxis presentation and diagnosis in ways you may not have considered.  And she reviews adjunct drugs for management in a way that might just change your practice.   References: Sa...

Infections in the central nervous system can be very dangerous in children, so prompt recognition and treatment is important to avoid morbidity and mortality.  A review of various etiologies of CNS infections and their workup yields a valuable discussion on a pearl of wisdom that any provider needs to understand. References American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Meningococcal infections. In Kimbe...

In the first ever guest interview on The Peds NP, pediatric gastroenterologist John Lyles talks with us about pathologic hyperbilirubinemia and inflammatory bowel disease.

Cardiogenic shock occurs in children for a variety of reasons, and there are a variety of vasoactive drugs available to treat the critical condition.  But first we need to understand the pathophysiology and pharmacology to best select the drug for the job, which is no easy task. References Bolick, B.N., Reuter-Rice, K., Madden, M.A., Severin, P.N. (2020). Pediatric Acute Care: A guide for Interpro...

The 2014 AAP guidelines on the treatment of bronchiolitis are a provider's medical decision-making compass, but how can we interpret the vague or absent recommendations involving advanced care of patients requiring hospitalization? This episode covers the recent evidence published since the 2014 guidelines and helps to provide some direction on key issues for patients in need of greater respirator...

Nutrition is arguably the most important component of care in children with critical illness, yet its importance often falls down the list of priorities. Many questions remain on how best to manage nutrition in pediatric critical care, but this episode addresses many best practices from the SCCM and ASPEN's Guidelines for the Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Pediatric C...

Whether you're presenting in class, for colleagues, or on a national stage, it's important to have the tools and skills to disseminate your work in a scholarly way.  This week's show focuses on helping you with presentation format, PowerPoint visuals, and presentation skills to help you stand out and confidently demonstrate your expertise. References: Cuddy, A. (2012). Your body language may shape...

"What's wrong with your legs?' 'Nothin' at all, thank you. My legs are just fine and dandy.'" This episode takes a line from Forrest Gump and RUNS with it.  It's important for providers to know normal MSK development from an intrauterine fetus to the running child so that you can give parents reassurance for normal, expected defects while referring true deformities.   References: Espandar, R., Mor...

Ten percent of Americans report an allergy to amoxicillin, yet most of these don't represent a true allergy. Today we discuss the types of drug allergies, how to determine if the allergy can be removed, and second line drugs for true PCN allergy with the goal of being outstanding stewards of antimicrobial stewardship. References American Academy of Pediatrics. (2013). The diagnosis and management...

I've got incredible burrito-eating skills like you've never seen.  These epic Tex-Mex talents translate to test-taking strategies that are a sure-fire way to effectively implement critical thinking.     References: Fernandez-Plaza, A., Saiz-Mendiguren, R., Garcia-Lallana, A., Viteri-Ramirez, G., Etxano, J., & Bondia Garcia, J.M. (2012). Ileo-ileal intussusceptions in a child complainting of ab...

When patients (or parents!) use unique phrasing of a phenomenon, we must interpret their description of the experience in laymen's terms using clarifying questions while being attentive to inaccurate use of medical terms.  Let a kid tell you their story and you'll learn everything you need to know.  Hear what I mean with a couple of real GI examples from my week. References Tate, J.E., & Brese...

Having a sense of fashion and listening to what the style gurus tell us "what not to wear" is similar to provider practice and the clinical practice guidelines published by our national authorities.  Yet, somehow jorts came back into fashion and albuterol trials remain common practice for bronchiolitis.  What will you wear and do? References Condella, A., Mansbach, J.M., Hasegawa, K., Dayan, P.S.,...

As the hottest part of summer approaches and kids spend more time playing outside, pediatric providers need to be ready to recognize heat-related illness and offer savvy perspectives on how to protect kids from the sun's harmful rays.   References: American Academy of Pediatrics. (2011). Ultraviolet radiation: A hazard to children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 127(3), 588-597. doi:10.1542/peds.2010...

Thank you preceptors for your tireless support of students who cannot learn the art of pediatric healthcare without your bedside teaching.  This relationship born out of duty, generosity, and mutual respect can create lifelong collegial friendships.  But what should students do if they notice problems in clinical?  Today we explore how you should think, do, and say when evidence-based practice get...

On this Mother's Day edition of The Peds NP podcast, we consider the perfect baby shower gift for an expecting mother.  By using your knowledge of pediatric physiology, growth, and development, you can turn that baby registry into an educational opportunity to promote health and wellness for a new family.

Once the exams are all taken, the papers submitted, and the grades are in... you've still got work to do.  Healthcare professions require career-long learning, so join me as I discuss some options for staying current and engaged in pediatric learning after you walk off the stage and into clinical practice.

Whatever your social life looks like when you go home, I want you to know how important your work in pediatrics is to so many children! Fever is common, the presentation is simple, and this episode reinforces the management of simple febrile seizures according to the 2011 AAP guidelines.   References: (AAP), Subcommittee on Febrile Seizures, American Academy of Pediatrics. (2011). Neurodiagnostic...

A novel is to the clinical note what a summary statement is to Cliff's Notes.  A summary statement is a concise phrase of synthesized patient information that transforms your assessment, and formulating one is a critical skill for any provider to learn. Understand the essential components of a summary statement and hear a few good and bad examples on this episode. References: Siegel, M. (2017). Co...

Patients with acute diagnoses often start, and always end, in primary care.  Today we discuss primary care implications of cardiac disease in children. References: AAP. (2017). Clinical Practice Guideline for Screening and Management of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics, 140(3), e20171904. McCrindle, B.W., Rowley, A.H., Newburger, J.W., Burns, J.C., Bolger, A.F., Gewitz,...

What's the difference between a pediatric patient who needs an LP and one that goes home?  Find out on today's episode as we pick apart the presentation of fever without source.

What is one of the unique features of pediatric health care?  Monitoring their growth!  Join us today as we discuss important primary and acute care issues surrounding pediatric growth.

Diagnosis is the easy part.  Deciding whether to send the comfortably tachypneic bronchiolitic is the hard part.  Join us today as we unpack how to make that very decision and hear some pearls on supportive care.

Join us today as we discuss how to identify acute disease by recognizing illness scripts written in test questions or in the medical record, then apply these concepts beyond the classroom.

Prick up your ears for this week's discussion on some favorite principles at The Peds NP.  We use acute otitis media as an example of taking it back to the patho and spending an extra 5 minutes teaching the parents.