Pediatric Trauma: Module 3
Assessing the Head
- 90% of all pediatric trauma deaths.
- Assess mental status:
- Is behavior normal for age?
- Do they respond to commands / acknowledge caretaker's presence?
- Check for deformity, crepitus, contusions, lacerations of face and scalp.
- In infants assess for bulging or sunken fontanelles.
- Assess pupils for size, shape, reactivity, symmetry.
- Assess eye movement in all directions.
- Examine the nose and oropharynx for lacerations, bleeding, loose teeth.
- Inspect ears for any leakage of CSF or blood.
- Look for signs of basilar skull fracture.
