General considerations

General considerations

1. A clear understanding of the salient anatomic and physiologic differences among adults, children, and infants and a working knowledge of the specific anesthetic considerations for this patient population are required (see Chapter 33).
2. Blunt trauma, usually from falls or motor vehicle accidents, predominates in children. Multiple injuries are the rule rather than the exception, but diagnosis is often more difficult because of the child’s inability to provide an accurate history.