Infants and small children are physiologically different than adults. Because of these differences, the smaller patient is prone to hypoxia, hypoglycemia, hypovolemia, and hypothermia. This page will review the physiological differences in infants and smaller children. Sigrid Hedman-Dennis, RN, MSN
Stabilization of an infant or small child during the postoperative period requires that health care professionals be knowledgeable of physiological differences between adults and infants and small children. Children have physiological responses to the stresses of illness or surgery that are uncommon in the adult patient.
The primary goal of the post anesthesia care provider when caring for the infant or small child during the postop period involves the prevention and/or correction of four physiological conditions:
