Which condition is included in pediatric standing orders but not in adult standing orders?

Which condition is included in pediatric standing orders but not in adult standing orders?

• A. Severe Bronchospasm
• B. Severe Anaphylaxis
• C. Mild reaction
• D. Allergic rhinitis

Answer: (A)

Severe bronchospasm is included in pediatric standing orders but not in adult standing orders. The idea behind this difference is that pediatric protocols often authorize EMS providers to give a bronchodilator (like albuterol) for a child with severe bronchospasm without needing direct physician approval, to ensure rapid relief and prevent deterioration. In adults, bronchodilators for bronchospasm are typically not authorized as a standalone standing-order treatment and may require medical control or a different protocol path. Severe anaphylaxis is usually treated with epinephrine under standing orders in both pediatric and adult protocols, so it isn’t unique to the pediatric side. Mild reactions and allergic rhinitis generally aren’t managed by separate pediatric standing orders in the same way, making them less fitting as the pediatric-unique option.

Severe bronchospasm is included in pediatric standing orders but not in adult standing orders. The idea behind this difference is that pediatric protocols often authorize EMS providers to give a bronchodilator (like albuterol) for a child with severe bronchospasm without needing direct physician approval, to ensure rapid relief and prevent deterioration. In adults, bronchodilators for bronchospasm are typically not authorized as a standalone standing-order treatment and may require medical control or a different protocol path.

Severe anaphylaxis is usually treated with epinephrine under standing orders in both pediatric and adult protocols, so it isn’t unique to the pediatric side. Mild reactions and allergic rhinitis generally aren’t managed by separate pediatric standing orders in the same way, making them less fitting as the pediatric-unique option.