This document describes a pediatric simulation scenario designed to train learners to recognize and manage septic shock in a critically ill child. The case presents a pediatric patient with fever, hypotension, tachycardia, respiratory distress, altered mental status, and petechial rash suggestive of severe sepsis. Learners must rapidly perform an initial assessment using the ABC framework, initiate oxygen therapy, obtain vascular access, administer fluid resuscitation, order appropriate laboratory tests, and begin broad-spectrum antibiotics. As the scenario progresses, the patient develops respiratory failure and bradycardia, requiring bag-mask ventilation and preparation for rapid sequence intubation (RSI). The activity emphasizes early recognition of septic shock, timely resuscitation, airway management, and coordination of emergency care in a pediatric setting.
Target Learners
- Pediatric residents
- Emergency medicine residents
- Medical students in clinical rotations
- Pediatric or emergency medicine fellows
- Interprofessional learners involved in pediatric emergency care (e.g., nurses, paramedics)
Equipment Needed
- Pediatric patient simulator or high-fidelity manikin
- Cardiac monitor with pulse oximetry
- Oxygen delivery equipment (non-rebreather mask)
- Bag-valve-mask device
- Airway management equipment (laryngoscope, blades, endotracheal tubes)
- Suction setup
- Intravenous or central line access equipment
- Normal saline for fluid bolus administration
- Medications for rapid sequence intubation (e.g., atropine, sedative agents, paralytics)
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Laboratory ordering capability (simulated blood culture, CBC, ABG results)
- Bedside glucose testing supplies
- Chest X-ray confirmation (simulated or verbalized result)
Estimated Time to Complete the Activity
- Simulation scenario: ~15–20 minutes
- Debriefing and discussion: ~20–30 minutes
Total estimated activity time: approximately 35–50 minutes.