PEDIATRIC CARE OF OGDEN
NURSE LINE FAQs
** IF YOUR CHILD IS EXPERIENCING AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911 - IF YOU HAVE URGENT CONCERNS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE **
STREP THROAT
HOME CARE
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Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever or severe throat discomfort*
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Push fluids and soft foods (ex. cold drinks and milk shakes)
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SORE THROAT RELIEF
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OLDER THAN A YEAR:
Sip warm fluids
Give a spoonful of honey
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OLDER THAN 8 YEARS:
Gargle using warm water and table salt.
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*See dosing chart below
INFLUENZA
SOURCES: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION & "PEDIATRIC TELEPHONE PROTOCOLS" BY BARTON D. SCHMITT, M.D., F.A.A.P.
HOME CARE
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Gently suction or blow nose to remove nasal discharge
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Push fluids
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Use a humidifier
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For fevers above 102 degrees or pain relief, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen*
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*See dosing chart below
COME IN IF
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Child exhibits difficulty breathing, retractions, wheezing, or rapid breathing
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Dehydration is suspected
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Child develops an earache, sinus pain, or sore throat
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Fever lasts longer than 3 days
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You call and a medical assistant recommends a visit
PINK EYE (CONJUNCTIVITIS)
SYMPTOMS
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Pink or red color in the white of the eyes
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Swelling
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Increased tears
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Itching, irritation, burning
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Discharge (pus or mucus)
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Crusting of eyelids or lashes
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Feeling that there is something in the eye
COME IN IF
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Outer eyelid is very red
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Eye is swollen or painful
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There is constant tearing or blinking
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Child's vision is blurring
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Child is sensitive to light
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You call and a medical assistant recommends a visit
RSV
HOME CARE
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Manage fever and pain with acetaminophen or ibuprofen*
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Push fluids
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Remove contact lenses
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Use a humidifier
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*See dosing chart below
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COME IN IF
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Child has difficulty breathing
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Child is considered high-risk
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Ribs are pulling in with each breath (retractions)
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Child exhibits severe wheezing or rapid breathing
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Lips or face are bluish
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You call and a medical assistant recommends a visit
FEVER
FACTS
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Fevers are a temperature of 100.4 F or higher​
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Temperatures below 100.4 F are normal
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Fevers are harmless and often helpful
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Fevers help the body fight infection
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Fevers of 100.4 - 102 F are low grade fevers.
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Fevers of 104 F or higher are high fevers. They are not harmful, even though they are called "high"
COME IN IF
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Fever is higher than 105 F​
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Child exhibits shaking chills
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Pain is suspected (frequent crying)
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Child is 3-6 months with a fever higher than 102 F or with a low fever combined with other symptoms
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Child is 6-24 months with a fever higher than 102 F for over 24 hours with no other symptoms
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You call and a medical assistant recommends a visit
HOME CARE
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Fevers only need to be treated if they cause discomfort, which does not usually occur until they are above 103 F. ​
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Start medication for fevers higher than 102 F.
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Treat fevers with one medication. Either acetaminophen or ibuprofen (See medication charts below for dosing information). It is often unnecessary to alternate medications. Remember, they help the body fight infection.
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With medication, most fevers come down about 2 degrees F. They do not usually go back down to normal. When the medication wears off, the fever often returns. This is normal.
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If your child's doctor tells you to treat fevers differently, follow their advice.
SOURCES: THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION & "PEDIATRIC TELEPHONE PROTOCOLS" BY BARTON SCHMITT, M.D., F.A.A.P.
MEDICATION DOSING CHARTS
