#27 Button Battery Ingestion in Children: The Critical Need for Prompt Recognition and Management

 

Every second counts when it comes to button battery ingestion. Are you prepared to act when you encounter patients who have swallowed a battery, especially in a pediatric setting?

 

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In this episode, we delve into a harrowing story shared by our guest, Joanne, about her 19-month-old daughter, Luna, who swallowed a button battery. Joanne recounts the series of misdiagnoses and dismissals by healthcare professionals that led to a delayed discovery of the battery, resulting in severe internal damage to Luna.

 

Joanne details the symptoms Luna exhibited, including vomiting, high fevers, and difficulty swallowing, and describes the frustrating interactions with medical staff who failed to take her concerns seriously. It wasn't until Joanne's persistent request for a chest X-ray was finally granted that the true cause of Luna's distress was discovered. The battery had been lodged in Luna's esophagus for an extended period, causing significant injury.

 

The delayed diagnosis led to Luna developing a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) due to battery corrosion, requiring reconstructive surgery and ongoing care.

 

Join us as we explore the critical aspects of nursing care, emergency response, and the profound impact of medical decisions on patient outcomes. From the initial misdiagnosis to the life-saving surgery, this episode sheds light on the complexities of healthcare and underscores the importance of continuous education and awareness.

 

Key topics discussed:

• The symptoms of battery ingestion and the impact of delayed diagnosis
• How some medical professionals initially underestimated Luna's condition 
• The importance of prompt recognition and management of button battery ingestion

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