Indications for Discharging Pediatric Patient with Community Acquired Pneumonia

 

Patient selection:pediatric patient admitted to the hospital with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

 

Indications for discharge - all of the following:

(1) there has been a documented overall clinical improvement for at least 12 hours prior to discharge

(2) mental status is stable and/or has returned to baseline

(3) pulse oximetry readings are consistenlty > 90% on room air for > 12 hours

(4) absence of a sustained work of breathing

(5) absence of sustained tachycardia and/or tachypnea

 

If a chest tube had been inserted during the hospital stay:

(1) the tube has been removed for 12-24 hours AND

(2) there has been no clinical deterioration and no evidence for a recurrence in the pneumothorax or effusion since the tube was removed.

 

Home care issues

(1) The patient has been exposed to and tolerated the post-discharge therapeutic regimen prior to discharge.

(2) The parents or caregivers have demonstrated that they are able to give the patient the required regimen at home prior to discharge.

(3) There is evidence that home care will be adequate.

(4) A parent or guardian is able to bring the child back for follow-up or if there is a deterioration after discharge.