Acute Care Pediatrics - Sick Child Visit

When your child falls ill unexpectedly, knowing where to turn for immediate, expert care is crucial. Acute care pediatrics provides essential medical attention for children experiencing sudden illnesses or injuries, ensuring they receive timely and effective treatment.

At After Hours Kids in Austin, Texas, we specialize in offering comprehensive acute care services to children and young adults. Our dedicated team is here to support you and your family, providing the care your child needs when they need it most.

Sick child with thermometer in his mouth and bandage on his head.

At After Hours Kids we evaluate and treat children with conditions such as fever, ear pain, congestion, allergies, rashes, cough, and asthma symptoms.

We also evaluate kids with sore throat, influenza, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, urinary tract infections.

Acute injuries such as minor head injuries, sprains and wounds are evaluated as well. We use Dermabond (medical glue) for lacerations. If the wound requires more extensive repair, we will facilitate the E.R. visit.

After Hours Kids has the following in-house lab tests available:   

Complete Blood Counts * Rapid Strep Tests * Throat Cultures * Rapid Flu Tests * Rapid RSV Tests * Wound cultures * Urinalysis and Urine Culture

After Hours Kids treats children with asthma and can provide nebulizers for rental or purchase and/or inhaler masks and spacers for sale.

Sick child holding a teddy bear at After Hours Kids in Austin.

What is Acute Care in Pediatrics?

Acute care pediatrics involves the immediate and short-term treatment of children experiencing severe or sudden medical conditions.

At After Hours Kids, we evaluate and treat children with conditions such as fever, ear pain, congestion, allergies, rashes, cough, and asthma symptoms.

We also evaluate kids with sore throat, influenza, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urinary tract infections.

Acute injuries such as minor head injuries, sprains, and wounds are evaluated as well. We use Dermabond (medical glue) for lacerations. If the wound requires more extensive repair, we can arrange a visit to one of the emergency departments in the area.

Our acute care services are designed to treat children swiftly and efficiently, addressing urgent health concerns to prevent complications and promote quick recovery.

Symptoms We Treat

Our team is equipped to manage a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including:

  • Fever, headache, chills, body aches, and pains
  • Sore throat
  • Ear pain
  • Common cold and flu
  • Wheezing
  • Stomach ache, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Pink eye, eye drainage, or eye injuries
  • Painful urination
  • Rashes and skin problems
  • Minor injuries such as head injuries, sprains, and lacerations
 

We utilize various diagnostic tests to accurately identify and treat your child’s condition. Our in-house lab services include complete blood counts, rapid strep tests, throat cultures, rapid flu tests, rapid RSV tests, wound cultures, and urinalysis.

When to Call a Doctor

Knowing when to seek medical attention for your child can be challenging. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide:

  • Fevers above 103 degrees that do not respond to home remedies
  • Difficulty breathing or persistent wheezing
  • Extreme fatigue or lethargy
  • Severe pain
  • Vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration
  • Symptoms that are severe enough to keep your child home from school or interfere with sleep and daily activities
 

If you notice these signs or you feel your child is not themselves, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.

What Happens During an Acute Care Visit?

During an acute care visit at After Hours Kids, our Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) begin by assessing your child’s overall health. This includes:

  • Measuring temperature, weight, and sometimes additional vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure
  • Asking about your child’s symptoms, past medical history, and potential exposure to illness
 

Our goal is to diagnose the issue, discuss a treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have. We work collaboratively to ensure the treatment plan is tailored to your child’s specific needs. Our focus on pediatric care means we are highly familiar with common childhood illnesses and can recommend safe and effective treatment options.

Our Commitment to Your Child’s Health

At After Hours Kids, we understand that children can be fearful when visiting the doctor, especially when they are not feeling well. Our Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are skilled in treating young patients, helping them feel more at ease during their visit. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to ensure your child’s swift recovery.

Our practice offers extended evening hours and convenient appointment scheduling, so your child doesn’t have to wait to receive the care they need. For urgent situations, our acute care services are available to provide prompt and effective treatment.

Why Choose Us?

When it comes to your child’s health, trust the experts at After Hours Kids. We are here to support you and your family, providing the highest standard of acute care pediatrics in Austin, Texas.

  • Experienced Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
  • Comprehensive diagnostic testing
  • Compassionate and child-friendly care
  • Convenient evening hours
  • Dedicated to pediatric health

The Role of a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Acute Care

Our clinic is committed to maintaining the highest standards in nursing practice to ensure exceptional patient care for all our young patients.

Our Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) play a crucial role in urgent care settings. Certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, our nurses are experts in both primary care and acute care PNP roles. This dual expertise allows them to provide comprehensive patient care, from interpreting diagnostic tests to managing life-threatening illnesses.

A PNPs roles include the following:

  • Acute care PNP role: Care for patients with new acute conditions or exacerbated chronic conditions
  • Primary care PNP role: Provide primary health care, including prevention/management of common pediatric acute illnesses and chronic conditions.
 

PNPs are qualified to work in a variety of healthcare settings that may include hospitals, emergency departments, or intensive care units.

Schedule Your Appointment

After Hours Kids is committed to providing excellent acute care pediatrics services. Our experienced team is ready to address your child’s urgent medical needs with compassion and expertise.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your family. Please call us to schedule an appointment during business hours at 512-499-2452. Online scheduling is only available outside of business hours.

Common Conditions
WE TREAT

Pediatric Evaluations
& TREATMENTS WE OFFER

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Onsite Lab

Breathing Treatments

Fever Management

Sports Physicals

Ear Piercing

Lacerations

Injury