Approach to the Critical Patient

Triage and stabilization

Immediate priorities

Initial risk stratification 29 to 60 days

Risk groups

Key clinical decision points

Decision nodes

History

Eligibility and exclusions

Population screen

High risk historical features

Risk features

Exposures and context

Infectious context

Physical Exam

Appearance and perfusion

General assessment

Source evaluation

Focused exam for source

PITFALLS

Common pitfalls

Differential Diagnosis

Serious bacterial infection and IBI

High consequence diagnoses

Viral and nonbacterial infections

Common alternatives

Noninfectious mimics

Mimics

Laboratory Tests

Core studies

Baseline labs for well appearing 29 to 60 days

Inflammatory markers

Inflammatory marker panel

CSF studies

CSF evaluation when LP performed

Additional labs for ill appearing or targeted concerns

Expanded evaluation triggers

Diagnostic Tests

Scoring Systems

Risk stratification tools

MRI

MRI roles

CT

CT roles

Ultrasound

Ultrasound roles

Disposition

Admission and higher level care

Admission criteria

Outpatient management

Discharge home criteria for selected well appearing infants

Treatment

Empiric antibiotics for possible IBI

Parenteral antibiotics

UTI directed therapy

UTI management

HSV directed therapy

Acyclovir pathway

Supportive care

Symptom management

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy considerations

Geriatric

Geriatric considerations

Pediatrics

Pediatric specific considerations

Background

Epidemiology

Disease frequency

Pathophysiology

Immune vulnerability

Therapeutic Considerations

Management rationale

Patient Discharge Instructions

copy discharge instructions

Home care and follow-up

References

Guidelines and evidence sources

Key sources

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.