8.6 Headache Alistair Murray, John Ryan Essentials 1 The primary role of an emergency physician is to exclude a significant underlying cause for a headache, most urgently that of infection,…

5.1 Cyanotic heart disease and tetralogy of Fallot spells Robin Choong Essentials 1 Cyanosis is dependent on haematocrit and oxygen saturation. 2 Cyanosis is caused by arterial oxygen desaturation or…

5.2 Heart failure Robin Choong Essentials 1 Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a clinical syndrome and may result from: • excessive workload caused by increased pressure or volume, usually increased…

15.1 Paediatric gynaecology Pamela Rosengarten, Sonia Grover Essentials Prepubescent girls 1 Vaginal examination is inappropriate in paediatric patients and usually provides little information. Ultrasound may provide further information or, if…

18.1 Sexual assault Matt Ryan Essentials 1 Sexual assault occurs when a child is engaged in sexual activity that the child cannot comprehend, for which the child is developmentally unprepared…

22.2 Drowning Simon Wood Essentials 1 Drowning is defined as the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from immersion in liquid, regardless of the outcome. 2 Drowning is a leading cause…

16.7 Henoch–Schönlein purpura Karen McCarthy Essentials 1 There is no diagnostic laboratory test for the diagnosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura. 2 The diagnosis is clinical and consists of the tetrad: palpable…

16.4 Urinary tract infection in pre-school children Frank Willis Essentials 1 Urinary tract infection is common and potentially serious. 2 Septicaemia may occur in babies. 3 Renal scarring is a…

7.8 Diarrhoea and vomiting Christopher Webber Essentials 1 ‘ABC fluids in and out’ is a useful tool in taking a history. 2 Not all diarrhoea and vomiting is gastroenteritis. 3…

11.1 The use of blood products in children Joseph Ting Essentials 1 Blood components are appropriately used when clinical benefits of administration outweigh potential hazards, provided the indication is appropriate….