It can be helpful to sit and jot down a few notes about your child's overall condition before you make that call. This ensures that you forget nothing and that the answers to any questions your doctor asks will be there at your fingertips.
These are some things your doctor will need to know about your child:
- Symptoms: Is he vomiting? Does he have diarrhea? What is the color and general appearance of his skin? Are there any visible changes in the appearance of his eyes? Is he able to move his limbs freely?
- Mood: Is he crying more than usual? Does he seem tired or listless? Does he appear to be irritable or overstimulated?
- Sleep: Note the time and duration of regular sleep and naps for the last 12 hours or since the onset of illness.
- Eating: List all food (solids and liquids) he has consumed with amounts and times. Note if he was unable to keep any of these foods down.
- Temperature: Be sure you take your child's temperature before you call the doctor. Write down the temperature, when it was taken and how it was taken.
- Medicines: Keep track of any medicine your child is regularly taking or any you may have given him as a result of this illness. Know the dosage and times given.
Keeping a level head and gathering the right information will help you and your doctor get your child back on the road to good health.
