Thompson et al listed clinical findings that may serve as "red flags" for a serious infection in a child.
Red flags may include:
(1)
parental concern
(2) the clinician has a gut feeling that something is wrong
(3) a change in the child's crying pattern
(4) drowsiness or decreased level of consciousness or loss of consciousness
(5) inconsolability and/or moaning
(6) fever
(7) cyanosis
(8) poor peripheral circulation
(9) rapid breathing and shortness of breath
(10) crackles on auscultation
(11) diminished breath sounds
(12) signs of meningeal irritation
(13) petechial rash
(14) seizures
A single abnormal finding by itself may not be specific for a serious infection but should prompt a clinical evaluation of the patient.
