In Case of Emergency: When to Call the Pediatric Center of Round Rock

Nurture Kids Pediatrics

In Case of Emergency: When to Call the Pediatric Center of Round Rock

At the Pediatric Center of Round Rock, we pride ourselves in being here for you in case of emergency. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and for existing patients we are open Saturday from 9 AM to noon. To make scheduling easy, you can book your appointment online from our website or you can call us at (512) 733-5437.

After Hours Emergencies

After hours calls are directed to Medlink, our answering service at (512) 323-5465. One of our providers are always on-call, and after 9 PM calls are answered first by a registered nurse who calls or consults with the provider on-call when necessary. The same process is in effect during weekends; patients call Medlink and talk to a registered nurse or to the practitioner on-call as needed.

When Should You Call the Doctor?

Infections can be dangerous in a child under two years of age. You should call the doctor if your baby develops any of the following symptoms:

Changes in appetite. If your baby refuses several feedings in a row or eats poorly, contact the doctor.

Changes in mood. If your baby is lethargic or unusually difficult to rouse, tell the doctor right away. Also let the doctor know if your baby is persistently irritable.

Fever. Mild fevers are common and usually harmless, but keep an eye on the thermometer. If your baby is younger than age 3 months, contact the doctor for any fever. If your baby is age 3 to 6 months and has a temperature up to 102 F (38.9 C) and seems unusually irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable, or has a temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C), contact the doctor. Also, if your baby is age 6 to 24 months and has a temperature higher than 102 F (38.9 C) that lasts longer than one day but shows no other signs or symptoms, contact the doctor. If your baby also has other signs or symptoms, such as a cold, cough or diarrhea, you might contact the doctor sooner based on their severity.

Diarrhea. Contact the doctor if your baby’s stools are especially loose or watery.

Vomiting. Contact the doctor if your baby vomits forcefully after feedings, vomits for more than 12 hours, or also has diarrhea or a fever.

Dehydration. Contact the doctor if your baby doesn’t wet a diaper for six hours or longer, the soft spot on top of your baby’s head seems to sink, or your baby cries without tears or has a dry mouth without saliva.

Constipation. If your baby has fewer bowel movements than usual for a few days, contact the doctor.

Colds. Contact the doctor if your baby has a cold that interferes with his or her breathing, lasts longer than two weeks, or is accompanied by severe coughing.

Ear trouble. Contact the doctor if your baby doesn’t respond normally to sounds.

Rash. Contact the doctor if a rash covers a large area, appears infected or if your baby suddenly develops an unexplained rash — especially if the rash is accompanied by a fever, sore throat or diarrhea.

Eye discharge. If one or both eyes are pink, red or leaking mucus, contact the doctor. Eye problems can be caused by blockage of one or both tear ducts. Normally the ducts open on their own before too long, but sometimes they remain clogged, which can cause mucus-like tearing of the eyes. If there is an infection, your doctor may recommend eye drops.

Also, look out for these symptoms in your baby. You should always trust your instincts and call the doctor if you have any questions or need advice on treatments.

Poor feeding
Poor color
Listlessness
Weak cry
Rectal temperature of at least 100.4°F
Breathing problems
Unusual fussiness
Sleeping more than usual
Vomiting or diarrhea

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