What to Expect the Toddler Years (198 page)

Fever accompanied by:

limpness or unresponsiveness (you can’t interest your child in anything, can’t elicit a smile);
call immediately
.

convulsions (the body stiffens, eyes roll, limbs flail);
call immediately
the first time. If your toddler has had convulsions in the past, call within 24 hours, unless the doctor has advised you to do otherwise (see page 584).

convulsions that last longer than 5 minutes;
call 911 immediately
for emergency assistance.

inconsolable crying that lasts 2 or 3 hours;
call immediately
.

crying, as if in pain, when your child is touched or moved;
call immediately
.

whimpering or moaning unrelated to behavior;
call immediately
.

purple spots anywhere on the skin;
call immediately
.

difficulty breathing, once the nasal passages have been cleared;
call immediately
.

severe headache (especially with vomiting);
call immediately
.

drooling and a refusal to swallow liquids;
call immediately
.

neck stiffness (the child resists having the head moved forward toward the chest);
call immediately
.

suspected burning or pain during urination (this might be difficult to confirm in a young toddler);
call immediately
.

sore throat (see page 611); call during regular office hours.

a rash (see page 840); call during regular office hours.