Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN DO I NEED TO CALL THE DOCTOR?

Listed below are some guidelines for calling the doctor. They are meant to be only guidelines. Anytime that you are uncomfortable with something this is happening with your child or you have a concern that you feel needs to be addressed, please call. Parents know their children best and sometimes just a “feeling” is a good reason to call.

• Rectal temperature greater than 100.4 in an infant less than 2 months of age.
• Rectal temperature elevation of 103 or greater that is persistent.
• When a child is listless and appears ill whether or not there is fever.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Persistent diarrhea (frequent watery stools).
• Crying as if in pain from unknown cause.
• A fall or accident that may have resulted in a head injury, broken bone or laceration.
• Uncontrolled bleeding.
• Limp or refusal to use an extremity.
• Change in consciousness, fainting or seizure.
• Bumps, cuts or animal bites.
• Possible ingestion of poisons or foreign bodies.
• Rapid, noisy or difficult breathing.
• Progressive or persistent rash, especially if associated with other symptoms of illness.

Before placing a call to the doctor or nurse, you may want to have a pencil and paper available for taking notes. If your child is ill, you may want to take his/her temperature so that you will have that information. If someone other than yourself if caring for your child, it’s important that they give you adequate information before you call. For instance, if the child is vomiting it is helpful to know for how long and how often.  If he/she has diarrhea, it is helpful to know how many stools he/she has had, the consistency, and for how long. The more information that is available to us, the more help we can be in deciding how best to treat your child. You may also want to have your pharmacy number available in case we need to phone in a prescription for you.

WHEN IS MY CHILD DUE FOR HIS/HER NEXT CHECKUP AND NEXT IMMUNIZATIONS (SHOTS)?

Routine Office Visits Schedule

The American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Family Physicians, and our physicians recommend all of the above vaccines.

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HOW DO I TAKE AND TREAT A FEVER WITH MY CHILD?

How to Take a Temperature

1. Use a rectal thermometer. Check to be sure that the reading is below the arrow. Shake down if necessary.
2. Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with oil or Vaseline.
3. While seated, place the baby tummy-down across your lap.
4. Insert the bulb of the thermometer about 1 inch into the rectum. Rest the hand holding the thermometer against the baby’s bottom so should the baby move, your hand and the thermometer will move with him.
5. Hold the thermometer in the rectum for about 3 minutes and then read. If you are uncomfortable taking a rectal temperature, you may take an axillary temperature by holding the thermometer firmly under the baby’s arm for 5 minutes.

If your child has a fever, you may want to treat it while you wait for your call to be returned or before you place your call.

How to Treat Fever/Oral Medications with Children’s ACETAMINOPHEN

How to Treat Fever/Oral Fever Medications with Children’s IBUPROFEN