Five short lessons for parents. Learn what can help at home, what to pay attention to, and when to seek medical help.
0–5 years5 modules · ± 25 minutes20 practice questions with explanation
Choose a topic or follow everything in order. You can re-attempt any question. Progress is saved, where possible, only in this browser.
MODULE 01 · ± 5 MINUTES
0/4 practiced
Fever
Look at your child, not just at the thermometer.
After this module: You will know what to look for and when to ask for help.
In short
Your child has a fever from 38 °C.
Pay attention to contact, breathing, drinking, and urinating.
Give fluids often; rest is allowed, playing too if your child wants to.
A baby younger than 3 months with a fever: call immediately.
Read the more detailed explanation
Fever is usually a reaction to an infection. The height of the temperature does not solely indicate how sick your child is. Also observe if your child reacts as you are used to. For a young child, preferably measure temperature rectally.
Do not put on extra thick clothing and do not cool with cold water. Paracetamol can help with pain or clear discomfort. Use the correct dose according to the leaflet or ask the pharmacy. It is not necessary to lower the temperature and it does not prevent febrile seizures.
Practice with situations
Fictional examples. The answers do not assess your own child.
After this module: You recognize fluid loss and know how to offer drinks.
In short
Offer small sips regularly.
Continue breastfeeding or bottle-feeding; do not dilute formula.
Keep track of drinking and wet diapers or urination.
Young children, especially under 2 years, dehydrate faster.
Read the more detailed explanation
With diarrhea and vomiting, a child loses fluids. Food is temporarily less important; do not force and offer food again when your child wants it. Wash hands with soap and water after changing diapers or using the toilet and before preparing food.
ORS helps replenish fluids and salts. Use a ready-to-use product or mix the sachet exactly according to the packaging. Do not make your own salt-sugar mixture. If in doubt, ask your GP or pharmacy when and how much is needed. Do not give loperamide or anti-vomiting medication to a young child on your own initiative.
Practice with situations
Fictional examples. The answers do not assess your own child.
After this module: You distinguish common cough from signals for which you should call.
In short
Coughing is often caused by a virus.
Ensure smoke- and vapor-free air and offer drinks.
Cough medicines usually don't help.
Never give honey to a baby younger than 1 year.
Read the more detailed explanation
With a cold, a child can cough for weeks. Saline nasal drops can be pleasant for a stuffy nose. Pay special attention to breathing and general illness.
A barking cough with hoarseness may be consistent with croup, often at night. Stay calm, comfort your child and keep them close. Let them drink something if possible. Steaming with hot water has not been proven to help and carries a risk of burns.
Practice with situations
Fictional examples. The answers do not assess your own child.
Itchy blisters and attention for vulnerable people.
After this module: You know what provides relief and when consultation is necessary.
In short
Chickenpox causes itchy spots and blisters.
Keep nails short and prevent scratching as much as possible.
Usually, it goes away on its own.
Do not give ibuprofen for chickenpox.
Read the more detailed explanation
A child can infect others even before the rash is visible. Contagiousness lasts until all blisters are dry. If your child feels well, they can usually go to childcare or school; report the chickenpox and follow their agreements.
For painful spots in the mouth, cool drinks can be pleasant. Consult the pharmacy for an anti-itch remedy; do not use menthol under 2 years of age and do not apply such remedies to open wounds.
Was there contact with someone who is pregnant? Anyone who has not had chickenpox or does not know if they have had it AND has not been vaccinated, should immediately call the midwife or GP. If immunity is reduced, consultation with the healthcare provider is advisable.
Practice with situations
Fictional examples. The answers do not assess your own child.
Pay attention to the accident AND to changes afterwards.
After this module: You know when to call and how to continue to pay attention afterwards.
In short
Call 112 for unconsciousness or a seizure with convulsions after head injury.
Call the general practitioner or emergency post immediately if there is vomiting, abnormal behavior or brief unconsciousness.
Stay with your child for the first 24 hours.
Waking up regularly according to a fixed schedule is no longer standard advice.
Read the more detailed explanation
Also a fall from more than 1 meter or 5 stairs, a hard blow with speed, a bump or wound on the head, increasing headache, double vision, difficulty speaking or blood/fluid from an ear is a reason to call immediately.
Pay close attention especially during the first 2 hours. Symptoms can appear later, even after a doctor has seen your child. Discuss alarm signals first; sleeping is generally allowed afterwards and a fixed waking schedule is not necessary. Follow the doctor's personal instructions. Build up activity as tolerated.
Practice with situations
Fictional examples. The answers do not assess your own child.
You don't have to make a diagnosis yourself. When you call, state your child's age, what happened, how long the symptoms have existed, and what you notice about their behavior, breathing, drinking, and urination.
You haven't done any practice questions yet. You can also just read the information.
This is not a test or personalized healthcare advice. You will not receive an NHG certificate or accreditation.