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How Do You Tell When Someone is Sick?
From Caring for Kids - Patricia Keener, M.D. Exercise - What Do You Do When...
How sick is someone? Check these things to determine how big a problem you have: Read the following situations and decide who you would contact, what questions you would
Serious-Illness-Likely ask, and what you would do.
Symptom Reassuring Signs Worrisome Signs Signs 1. My child has a fever of 101°F and is throwing up.
Appearance bright-eyed and alert sleepy with dull eyes and stares blankly and has Who would you contact? What are your questions? What action would you take?
little expression glassy-eyed look
Cry cry is normal sounds whiny, difficult cry sounds weak,
to comfort, whimpers continues to cry or moan
even when comforted
Activity level plays and sleeps fussy when awake and hard to awaken and has 2. My elderly mother has just fallen and is in pain.
normally sleeps more than usual little interest in playing Who would you contact? What are your questions? What action would you take?
Appetite eats normally takes food and drink refuses all foods and
when offered, but only a liquids
few bites or sips
Urination urine (pee) is normal pee is dark yellow and appears dry, litte spit and
infrequent urine, eyes appear sunk
back into head 3. My child has fallen and cut his arm.
Who would you contact? What are your questions? What action would you take?
If the person has one or two worrisome signs, call the doctor’s office for advice.
If they have three or more worrisome signs, call the doctor’s office immediately for an appointment.
If there are any serious-illness-likely signs, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency
treatment.
4. My child has a runny nose all the time and a raspy cough.
Over-the-Counter Drugs And Children Who would you contact? What are your questions? What action would you take?
Most over-the-counter drugs are designed for adults and should not be used for children. It’s not just
a matter of decreasing the dosage. Many drugs can cause harmful side-effects in children. Check with
your doctor to see what over-the-counter drugs are O.K. for you to give to your children. Over-the-counter
medications that are often used to treat kids are:
5. We’re eating dinner and my spouse seems to be choking.
Cold preparations for a combination of cough, fever, runny nose
Who would you contact? What are your questions? What action would you take?
Medications to dry up a stuffy nose
Medication for vomiting
Medication to stop diarrhea
Antihistamines or decongestants.
