8 Things Parents Must Know about Their Child’s Health

1. What is being done to your child and why
   When someone is doing a test or a procedure on your child, providing
   her with medical care, or giving her a medication, don’t be
   shy. Ask every person who works on your child what they are
   doing and why they are doing it. Approach every transaction as an
   opportunity to correct a mistake. I know it sounds harsh, but your
   child’s life may be at stake. Use the ASK, KNOW, GO tactic to
   make sure your child is always protected.
   
2. Your child’s weight in kilograms
   Drug doses for children are usually calculated by the child’s
   weight in kilograms. Know your child’s weight and confirm it with
   any doctor or nurse who is prescribing or administering a medication.
   Here’s how you can convert your child’s weight:
   

   Child’s weight in pounds _________ divided by
   2.2 = _________ weight in kilograms.

3. Your child’s health history, conditions, and allergies
   A written list is the way to go. Allergies are more common and can
   be more dangerous in children. If your child has a life-threatening
   allergy, make sure she wears a Medic Alert bracelet. Include any
   other important information on your child’s health history or medical
   conditions.
   
4. Every medication your child takes
   Keep a written list and give it to anyone caring for your child (doctor,
   nurse, hospital staff). A drug interaction can be deadly for a
   child. Include vitamins, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements
   
5. Five critical questions about every medication
   Anytime your child is given a prescription or administered a
   medication (especially in a hospital), ask these five critical
   questions.
   
   1. What are you giving him?
   2. What is it for?
   3. What is the dosage, and how was it calculated?
   4. How is it given? (Make sure you understand how to do it.)
   5. What are the side effects or adverse effects?
   Don’t be embarrassed or feel you are being annoying—You are your
   child’s only advocate! Confirm this information every step of the
   way—with the doctors, with the nurses, with the pharmacist.
   Something as small as a misplaced decimal point can result in a
   child’s death. Mistakes are made every day—assume the worst and
   you’ll get the best.
   
6. How your child feels
   When your child is ill, and you are at the doctor’s office or the hospital,
   pay close attention to how she feels and to any changes in
   her condition. A child’s medical condition can deteriorate rapidly,
   so stayed tuned in to how she’s feeling and demand attention
   immediately if you are worried.
   
7. Who’s watching out for your child
   If your child is in the hospital with an acute condition, you or
   another adult you trust should be with your child around the
   clock to oversee his care. If you think doctors and nurses are intimidating,
   imagine your child’s fears. Children are taught to listen to
   and respect adults, so it’s very difficult for them to question someone
   giving them care.
   
8. Your doctor’s experience treating children
   Pediatric medicine is not “adult medicine only smaller.” Children’s
   organs and systems are more delicate and react differently than
   adults. Children respond differently to emergencies and describe
   symptoms differently (for example, children who are nauseated
   typically say their “tummy hurts.”) Make sure that the doctors who
   are treating your child are experienced with children.
   

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