OVERVIEW

Emergency Department Management of Rash and Fever in the Pediatric Patient (Infectious Disease CME and Pharmacology CME) is organized by EB Medicine.

Publication Date: Jan 02, 2020
CME Expiration Date: Feb 02, 2023

Description:
Rash and fever are some of the most common chief complaints presented in emergency medicine. The evaluation of skin rashes in the febrile pediatric patient includes a broad differential diagnosis and utilizing the signs and symptoms to identify red flags, such as hemodynamic instability, erythroderma, desquamation, petechiae/purpura, mucous membrane involvement, severe pain, in the history and physical examination that require a high index of suspicion for worrisome disease. This review addresses characteristics of common rashes, such as roseola and scarlet fever, and more rare, potentially life-threatening rashes, such as meningococcemia and toxic shock syndrome, that can be used to guide management and treatment, and improve patient outcomes. You will learn:
• Characteristics that distinguish benign versus life-threatening causes of skin rash in febrile pediatric patients
• Examination findings that will identify red flags in the history and physical examination
• To include less commonly seen, but dangerous, conditions, and those that could be potential public health threats in the differential diagnosis of skin rash in febrile patients
• To utilize the history and physical examination findings to correctly identify patients who can be discharged or those who require diagnostic testing for further evaluation
• Appropriate treatment, disposition, and follow-up recommendations for the pediatric patient with a skin rash and fever