Administration of paracetamol.
When and how we administer paracetamol to a child at the centre, including parent consent, dosage records and how families are notified.
ADMINISTRATION OF PARACETAMOL
The following procedure for the administration of Paracetamol has been developed with the use of NSW Health and Staying Healthy – Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services. The information that has been gathered forms the current recommendations in this area. Staff should at all times use their training and common sense when dealing with a child with a fever and treat all high fevers (38°C and above) with importance and urgency.
Normal Temperature is between 36.5°C and 38.0°C.
If a Baby / Toddler / Child’s temperature is between 37.5°C and 37.9°C – retest within 30 minutes
If a Baby / Toddler / Child’s temperature is 38.0°C or over: -
(Ensure child’s temperature is taken under the arm using a digital thermometer only).
Calm child and observe.
Dress the child in light clothing to keep them cool.
Cover the child with a sheet if they are shivering.
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature by adjusting the heating or opening a window.
Give them plenty of cool, clear fluids to drink. Give extra breastmilk, formula or cool boiled water if the child is under 6 months.
Wipe their head with a warm sponge or facecloth.
Re-check child’s temperature to see if it continues to rise after 10 minutes.
If temperature continues to rise after 10 minutes, complete the following steps:
Contact the child’s parent, guardian or nominated person and ask them to collect the child as soon as possible. Advise them to take the child to their Doctor.
Check the child’s records to find if permission for Paracetamol has been given. Obtain specific consent by telephone or email from parent, guardian or nominated person regarding whether a dose of Paracetamol should be given.
Paracetamol should only be administered to a child who has a temperature of 38.5°C or above and is in discomfort or pain.
Paracetamol will only be administered to a child, if that child has been in attendance at the centre for at least 4 hours on that day and with the appropriate consent from the parent, guardian or nominated person.
If a child is less than 3 months and has a fever above 38°C contact the child's parent and ask them to take the child to the Doctor or nearest hospital emergency department. If a child is less than 3 months old and their fever is 38.5°C or above call an ambulance ‘000’ immediately.
If the child’s temperature is above 38.5°C and consent has been given by the parent, guardian or nominated person, administer one dose of paracetamol. (Dosage of paracetamol should be based on the age of the child and the lower does for their age range given.) Be aware that there are numerous dose forms and concentrations of paracetamol for children.
Children aged under 1 years of age should use Infant Panadol (1 month-1 years)
Children aged over 1 years of age should use Children’s Panadol (1-5years).
Ensure the child is well hydrated by offering small, frequent amounts of cool water to drink until the child is collected by their parent, guardian or nominated person.
Complete an accident/illness/injury form on the app ready for the child’s parent, guardian or nominated person to sign when collecting the child.
Continue to monitor the child closely until they are collected.
If the child becomes drowsy, has difficulty breathing, has a stiff neck or the responsible person deems the child is worsening call an ambulance ‘000’ immediately.
If the child’s temperature reaches 40°C or higher call ‘000’ immediately and request an ambulance.
If the child has a seizure or febrile convulsion call ‘000’ immediately and request an ambulance.
Source: Staying Healthy – Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services 6th Edition
NSW Health
Health Direct
Centre Support
*This procedure is the property of Eikoh Seminar Australia Pty Limited and must not be reproduced without the consent of management.