What is a significant risk during transport for pediatric patients?

Hypothermia is a significant risk during transport for pediatric patients due to several factors inherent in this vulnerable population. Infants and young children have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, meaning they can lose heat much more quickly than adults. Additionally, their ability to thermoregulate is often immature, especially in preterm infants whose physiological systems are not fully developed.

During transport, environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations and exposure to cold air can exacerbate the risk of hypothermia. Pediatric patients are often unable to communicate their discomfort or needs, which can lead to delays in intervention if there is a drop in body temperature. Maintaining normothermia is crucial, as hypothermia can lead to serious complications including increased metabolic demands, impaired immune function, and difficulty in achieving stability for further medical treatment.

In contrast, while hypertension, dehydration, and anemia can all pose risks in various clinical scenarios, they are typically less directly influenced by transport factors and are often more related to underlying medical conditions or treatment history rather than transport-induced vulnerabilities.