10 Pediatric SOAP Note Examples

Updated March 2026

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List of Cases

  1. 4-Year-Old Well-Child Visit
  2. Acute Otitis Media (Ear Infection)
  3. Asthma Exacerbation
  4. Fever Evaluation (Infant)
  5. Acute Gastroenteritis
  6. ADHD Initial Evaluation
  7. Childhood Obesity Counseling
  8. Pre-Sports Physical
  9. Adolescent Depression Screening
  10. Urinary Tract Infection (School-Age)

1. 4-Year-Old Well-Child Visit

Description

Routine health supervision visit for a 4-year-old male. Mother reports he is growing well and meeting developmental milestones. No acute concerns.

SOAP Note

Patient: Tyler M., 4-year-old male

Date of Visit: 03/10/2026

S (Subjective) Mother reports Tyler is doing well overall. She has no acute concerns. He is eating a balanced diet with some pickiness around vegetables. Sleeping 10–11 hours per night with consistent bedtime routine. No recent illnesses. Attends preschool; no behavioral concerns reported by teachers. Not yet toilet trained at night but fully day-trained. Mother asks about kindergarten readiness and screen time limits.

O (Objective)

  • Vital Signs:

    • Weight: 18 kg (75th percentile)
    • Height: 105 cm (70th percentile)
    • BMI: 16.3 (60th percentile)
    • BP: 96/58 mmHg
    • HR: 92 bpm
    • Temp: 37.0°C
    • Resp: 22/min
  • Growth: Tracking along established percentile curve; no concerns.

  • Development (per ASQ-3 and observation):

    • Gross Motor: Hops on one foot, catches bounced ball — age appropriate
    • Fine Motor: Draws a 4-part person, cuts with scissors — age appropriate
    • Language: Speaks in full sentences (5–6 words), understood by strangers — age appropriate
    • Social/Emotional: Plays cooperatively with peers, identifies emotions — age appropriate
    • Cognitive: Counts to 10, knows colors — age appropriate
  • Physical Exam:

    • General: Well-nourished, well-developed, cooperative male in no acute distress
    • HEENT: TMs clear bilaterally; no erythema. Pharynx benign. No lymphadenopathy.
    • Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm, no murmur
    • Pulmonary: Clear to auscultation bilaterally
    • Abdomen: Soft, non-tender, no organomegaly
    • GU: Normal male genitalia, testes descended bilaterally
    • Musculoskeletal: Full ROM all extremities, normal gait
    • Skin: No rashes or lesions
    • Neuro: Cranial nerves II–XII intact; normal tone and reflexes
  • Vision Screening: Passed (20/40 binocularly per HOTV chart)

  • Hearing Screening: Passed bilateral pure-tone audiometry

A (Assessment)

  1. Z00.129 — Well-child visit, age 4 years; growth and development appropriate for age
  2. Nighttime enuresis — normal variant at 4 years, no treatment indicated

P (Plan)

  1. Immunizations: DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella, Flu vaccine administered. VIS provided and reviewed with mother. Tolerates all vaccinations well, observed 15 minutes post-injection without adverse event.
  2. Anticipatory Guidance:
    • Screen time: Limit to 1 hour/day of high-quality programming; co-view with parent
    • Dental: Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (pea size); dentist visit scheduled
    • Safety: Booster seat (forward-facing, harness); swimming lessons; sunscreen daily
    • Kindergarten readiness: Recommended pre-K checklist provided
    • Nutrition: Continue balanced meals; 2 cups dairy, 5 servings fruits/vegetables daily
    • Sleep: Maintain 10–11 hours with consistent bedtime routine
  3. Referrals: None indicated
  4. Follow-up: 5-year well-child visit in 12 months or sooner if concerns arise

2. Acute Otitis Media

Description

A 2-year-old female presents with 2 days of ear pain and irritability. Parents report she has been pulling at her right ear and had a low-grade fever yesterday.

SOAP Note

Patient: Sofia R., 2-year-old female

Date of Visit: 03/12/2026

S (Subjective) Mother reports Sofia has been pulling at her right ear for 2 days. She has been irritable, especially at night, and woke up crying multiple times last evening. Had a temperature of 38.2°C at home yesterday evening, which improved with acetaminophen. Decreased appetite for the past 24 hours. No vomiting or diarrhea. No rash. Mother reports Sofia had a URI 5 days ago that has largely resolved. No prior ear infections. No known drug allergies.

O (Objective)

  • Vital Signs:

    • Weight: 12.4 kg (50th percentile)
    • Temp: 37.8°C (tympanic)
    • HR: 108 bpm
    • Resp: 26/min
  • Physical Exam:

    • General: Mildly fussy toddler, consolable with mother; no acute distress
    • HEENT:
      • Right TM: Bulging, erythematous, with opacification; decreased mobility on pneumatic otoscopy; no perforation
      • Left TM: Normal light reflex, good mobility, no erythema
      • Nasal mucosa: Clear, no discharge
      • Pharynx: Mildly erythematous, no exudate
      • Mild right preauricular lymphadenopathy
    • Pulmonary: Clear to auscultation bilaterally
    • Abdomen: Soft, non-tender

A (Assessment)

  1. H66.001 — Acute suppurative otitis media, right ear, without spontaneous rupture of eardrum
  2. Resolved viral URI

P (Plan)

  1. Antibiotics: Amoxicillin 90 mg/kg/day = 1,116 mg/day divided BID = 558 mg (11.2 mL of 250 mg/5 mL) PO BID x 10 days (age < 2 years, bilateral or severe otitis guidelines)
  2. Pain management: Acetaminophen 15 mg/kg/dose = 186 mg q4–6h PRN for fever/pain; ibuprofen 10 mg/kg/dose = 124 mg q6–8h PRN alternating
  3. Return precautions: Return if fever persists > 72 hours on antibiotic therapy, worsening symptoms, ear discharge, or significant behavioral changes
  4. Follow-up: Recheck in 10–14 days to confirm resolution; sooner if symptoms worsen
  5. Parent education: Reviewed signs of antibiotic failure; hand hygiene emphasized

3. Asthma Exacerbation

Description

A 7-year-old male with known asthma presents with 1 day of increased wheeze, cough, and shortness of breath after playing outside. His rescue inhaler at home provided partial relief.

SOAP Note

Patient: Jayden C., 7-year-old male

Date of Visit: 03/08/2026

S (Subjective) Father reports Jayden developed increased coughing and wheeze yesterday after outdoor play during high pollen counts. He used his albuterol MDI (2 puffs) at 6 PM with partial relief. Symptoms returned overnight. He woke at 2 AM with coughing. He reports shortness of breath with walking. Denies fever. No URI prodrome. Known triggers: exercise, pollen, secondhand smoke. Current controller medication: fluticasone/salmeterol (100/50) 1 puff BID. Father reports patient has been compliant. No oral steroid courses in the past 6 months. No ER visits this year.

O (Objective)

  • Vital Signs:

    • Weight: 24.5 kg
    • Temp: 37.1°C
    • HR: 104 bpm
    • Resp: 26/min
    • SpO2: 94% on room air
  • Physical Exam:

    • General: School-age male, mildly anxious; speaking in full sentences but visibly working harder to breathe
    • Pulmonary: Moderate expiratory wheeze throughout; mild subcostal retractions; prolonged expiratory phase; no nasal flaring
    • Cardiovascular: Tachycardia, regular rhythm, no murmur
    • Skin: No cyanosis
  • PEFR: 70% of predicted (classified as moderate exacerbation)

A (Assessment)

  1. J45.31 — Moderate persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
  2. Triggering factor: Environmental allergen (pollen)

P (Plan)

  1. Immediate: Albuterol 2.5 mg via nebulizer q20 min x 3 doses in office; SpO2 monitoring throughout
  2. Post-nebulization reassessment: SpO2 improved to 98%; wheeze decreased to mild; subcostal retractions resolved; PEFR improved to 82% predicted
  3. Discharge medications:
    • Albuterol MDI: 4–8 puffs q4–6h PRN wheeze x 3–5 days
    • Prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day (max 60 mg) = 24.5 mg PO daily x 5 days (given first dose in office)
    • Continue fluticasone/salmeterol BID
  4. Spacer technique: Reviewed and demonstrated proper MDI technique with spacer; father verbalized understanding
  5. Asthma action plan: Updated written action plan provided to family
  6. Return precautions: Return to ED if SpO2 < 92%, severe respiratory distress, or albuterol effective < 4 hours
  7. Follow-up: 1 week with primary care; pulmonology referral if exacerbations continue

4. Fever Evaluation (Infant)

Description

A 3-month-old male is brought in by mother for fever of 38.6°C rectally at home. He has been fussier than usual. No sick contacts reported.

SOAP Note

Patient: Elijah T., 3-month-old male

Date of Visit: 03/15/2026

S (Subjective) Mother reports Elijah has had a rectal temperature of 38.6°C at home for the past 4 hours. He has been fussier than usual and slightly less interested in feeding (nursing every 3.5–4 hours instead of usual 3 hours). No rash. No cough. No rhinorrhea. No vomiting or diarrhea. No sick contacts. Born full-term, vaginal delivery, no neonatal complications. No prior illnesses. Immunizations up to date (received 2-month vaccines 2 weeks ago).

O (Objective)

  • Vital Signs:

    • Weight: 6.2 kg (50th percentile)
    • Rectal Temp: 38.7°C
    • HR: 148 bpm
    • Resp: 38/min
    • SpO2: 99% on room air
  • Physical Exam:

    • General: Fussy but consolable with pacifier; no toxic appearance; no bulging fontanelle; fontanelle flat and soft
    • HEENT: TMs clear bilaterally; normal light reflex; anterior fontanelle flat. Nares patent, no discharge. Oropharynx benign.
    • Cardiovascular: Tachycardic, regular rhythm, no murmur; capillary refill < 2 seconds
    • Pulmonary: Clear to auscultation; no retractions; no grunting
    • Abdomen: Soft, non-distended, non-tender; no organomegaly
    • GU: Normal male anatomy; testes palpated bilaterally; no signs of inguinal hernia
    • Skin: No rash, no petechiae, no purpura; warm and well-perfused
    • Neuro: Alert, tracking; appropriate tone; Moro reflex intact
  • Laboratory (per febrile infant protocol):

    • CBC: WBC 11,200 (no left shift), Hgb 11.8, plt 280K
    • CMP: Sodium 138, Creatinine 0.3 — within normal limits
    • CRP: 1.8 mg/L (normal)
    • Urinalysis/urine culture: Obtained via straight catheter — UA negative; culture pending
    • Blood culture: Obtained x1 peripheral site; pending

A (Assessment)

  1. R50.9 — Fever, unspecified; likely viral; low-risk febrile infant per Rochester criteria (well-appearing, no focal source, normal labs)

P (Plan)

  1. Return to office or ED: Given age 3 months (low-risk febrile infant), patient meets Rochester criteria for outpatient management; discussed risks and benefits with mother
  2. Antipyretics: Acetaminophen 15 mg/kg = 93 mg PO/PR q4–6h PRN fever/fussiness
  3. Hydration: Continue breastfeeding on demand; monitor wet diapers (≥ 6/day)
  4. Cultures follow-up: Will call with urine and blood culture results in 24–48 hours
  5. Return precautions (strict): Return immediately if fever persists > 48 hours, infant appears ill or inconsolable, refuses feeds, has decreased urine output, develops rash, or any parental concern
  6. Follow-up: Office recheck in 24 hours; sooner per return precautions

5. Acute Gastroenteritis

Description

A 5-year-old female with 2 days of vomiting and loose stools. Mother reports 5–6 episodes of vomiting yesterday; today improved to 1–2. Tolerating small sips of fluids.

SOAP Note

Patient: Amara B., 5-year-old female

Date of Visit: 03/05/2026

S (Subjective) Mother reports 2 days of vomiting and diarrhea. Yesterday: 5–6 vomiting episodes and 4 loose, watery stools; no blood or mucus. Today improved: 1–2 vomiting episodes, 2 loose stools. Tolerating small sips of Pedialyte over the past 4 hours without vomiting. Decreased appetite. Temp measured at home: 38.0°C yesterday, afebrile today. No sick contact at daycare last week (reports daycare was closed). No recent travel. Up to date on rotavirus vaccination. Last void approximately 3 hours ago; mother unsure of frequency today.

O (Objective)

  • Vital Signs:

    • Weight: 19.2 kg (baseline 19.6 kg per last visit 2 months ago — 2% weight loss)
    • Temp: 37.2°C
    • HR: 110 bpm
    • Resp: 22/min
  • Dehydration Assessment:

    • Mucous membranes: Slightly dry
    • Eyes: Minimally sunken
    • Skin turgor: Normal
    • Capillary refill: 2 seconds
    • Fontanelle: N/A (age)
    • Overall: Mild dehydration (CDS score 2/8)
  • Physical Exam:

    • General: Alert, mildly lethargic but interactive; no acute distress
    • Abdomen: Soft, hyperactive bowel sounds; mild diffuse tenderness without guarding; no rebound; no hepatosplenomegaly
    • Skin: Warm, no rash

A (Assessment)

  1. A09 — Infectious gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified (presumed viral)
  2. E86.0 — Mild dehydration

P (Plan)

  1. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT): Continue Pedialyte 5 mL/kg/hour for next 4 hours (approx 95 mL/hour) via small, frequent sips; advance to age-appropriate diet as tolerated
  2. Diet: BRAT diet not recommended; resume normal age-appropriate diet as tolerated; avoid sugary juices and sports drinks
  3. Ondansetron: 4 mg ODT x1 dose given in office (0.2 mg/kg = 3.8 mg, rounded to 4 mg); prescription for 4 mg x 3 doses given (q8h PRN for 24 hours only)
  4. Return precautions: Return immediately if blood in stool, high fever (> 39°C), inability to keep any fluids down > 8 hours, signs of severe dehydration (no urination > 8 hours, sunken eyes, lethargy), or worsening clinical status
  5. Parent education: Reviewed dehydration signs; hand hygiene; when to use ORT vs. advance diet
  6. Follow-up: Call in 24 hours; return in office if not improving; should fully recover within 3–5 days

6. ADHD Initial Evaluation

Description

A 9-year-old male is referred by school for evaluation of suspected ADHD. His teacher and parents have noted difficulty sustaining attention, frequent task-switching, and impulsive behavior for over 12 months.

SOAP Note

Patient: Marcus L., 9-year-old male

Date of Visit: 02/25/2026

S (Subjective) Mother reports Marcus has had difficulty paying attention since first grade (now in 3rd grade). School has noted he doesn't finish tasks, loses materials, and calls out answers without raising his hand. At home, he struggles with homework (30–45 minutes stretching to 2+ hours), frequently leaves tasks unfinished, and is disorganized. He can sustain attention for video games and LEGO for 45–60 minutes (preferred activities). No hyperactivity noted at home or school per parental report; teacher Vanderbilt notes moderate inattention symptoms. Mother denies anxiety, mood lability, sleep disturbance, or learning disabilities. Family history: Father diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.

  • Vanderbilt Assessment Scales completed:
    • Parent (CPRS-R): Inattention subscale = 18/27; Hyperactivity-Impulsivity = 9/18; predominantly inattentive presentation
    • Teacher: Inattention subscale = 20/27; Hyperactivity-Impulsivity = 8/18; performance impairment in academic tasks

O (Objective)

  • Vital Signs:

    • Weight: 31 kg (55th percentile)
    • Height: 135 cm (60th percentile)
    • BP: 100/62 mmHg
    • HR: 82 bpm
  • Physical and Developmental Exam:

    • General: Cooperative, pleasant child; fidgeting in chair; redirects appropriately
    • HEENT: Normal; vision and hearing screened (passed)
    • Cardiovascular: RRR, no murmur (pre-stimulant baseline)
    • Neuro: No focal deficits; age-appropriate coordination; normal reflexes
    • Cognitive: Appropriate for age on office screening; no signs of intellectual disability
  • Structured Observation: Requires multiple redirections during extended task; easily distracted by sounds outside room; able to follow 2-step verbal directions

A (Assessment)

  1. F90.0 — Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, predominantly inattentive presentation, moderate severity
    • Criterion A met (≥ 6 inattention symptoms); Criterion B met (> 12 months); Criterion C met (symptoms present in ≥ 2 settings); Criterion D met (functional impairment in academics)

P (Plan)

  1. Medication: Methylphenidate ER 18 mg PO every morning x 4 weeks (start low); counsel re: taking with breakfast, expected onset, side effects (appetite suppression, insomnia, headache)
  2. School accommodations: Support 504 plan letter provided; recommend extended test time, preferential seating, chunked assignments
  3. Behavioral strategies: Handout provided on time management, organizational tools, homework routine; refer to behavioral therapist for ADHD coaching
  4. Monitoring: Repeat Vanderbilt scales (parent + teacher) at 4-week follow-up; monitor weight and BP at each stimulant follow-up visit
  5. Follow-up: 4 weeks to assess medication response; adjust dose as needed (typical titration range: 18–54 mg)
  6. Lab: No baseline labs indicated; obtain ECG only if cardiac history or family history of sudden cardiac death (none reported)

7. Childhood Obesity Counseling

Description

A 10-year-old female presents for a well-child visit with BMI in the 97th percentile. Her pediatrician addresses obesity counseling and metabolic screening.

SOAP Note

Patient: Isabella N., 10-year-old female

Date of Visit: 03/03/2026

S (Subjective) Mother brought Isabella for annual well-child visit. No acute concerns. Mother reports Isabella eats primarily processed foods, has 3+ hours of screen time daily, and participates in minimal physical activity. She drinks 2–3 sugar-sweetened beverages daily. Sleeps 8 hours per night. No snoring. Isabella's father has type 2 diabetes; maternal history of hypertension. No prior obesity intervention. Isabella reports feeling "fine" but notes teasing at school about her weight. No depressive symptoms endorsed. No headaches, abdominal pain, or polyuria/polydipsia.

O (Objective)

  • Vital Signs:

    • Weight: 58 kg (97th+ percentile)
    • Height: 142 cm (70th percentile)
    • BMI: 28.7 (97th+ percentile — Obesity Class I)
    • BP: 112/72 mmHg (88th percentile for age/sex/height — pre-hypertension threshold: ≥ 90th)
    • HR: 78 bpm
  • Physical Exam:

    • General: Obese female; no acute distress; mildly uncomfortable discussing weight in exam setting
    • Skin: Acanthosis nigricans noted in posterior neck and bilateral axillae — insulin resistance marker
    • Abdomen: Obese; soft; no hepatomegaly; no striae
    • Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm; no murmur
    • Endocrine/MSK: No thyromegaly; no knee or hip pain; no signs of polycystic ovary syndrome at this visit (pre-pubescent — Tanner I)
  • Screening Labs (obtained today per AAP guidelines):

    • HbA1c: 5.8% (Prediabetes: 5.7–6.4%)
    • Fasting lipids: Total cholesterol 198, LDL 130, HDL 42, TG 155 (borderline dyslipidemia)
    • Fasting glucose: 102 mg/dL (impaired fasting glucose)
    • ALT: 32 U/L (normal)

A (Assessment)

  1. E66.09 — Other obesity, Class I (BMI ≥ 97th percentile)
  2. R73.01 — Impaired fasting glucose (prediabetes)
  3. E78.5 — Hyperlipidemia, unspecified (borderline)

P (Plan)

  1. Lifestyle counseling: Discussed 5-2-1-0 framework: ≥ 5 fruits/vegetables, ≤ 2 hours recreational screen time, ≥ 1 hour physical activity, 0 sugar-sweetened beverages daily
  2. Referrals: Refer to pediatric dietitian for Medical Nutrition Therapy; refer to pediatric weight management program for comprehensive family-based intervention
  3. Mental health: Screened for emotional distress related to weight stigma; refer to behavioral health for body image and motivational support if Isabella requests
  4. Monitoring: Recheck labs (HbA1c, fasting lipid panel, ALT) in 6 months
  5. Family involvement: Mother educated on role of family meals, limiting food rewards, and home environment changes (remove sugary beverages)
  6. Follow-up: 3 months for weight and BMI reassessment

8. Pre-Sports Physical

Description

A 14-year-old male presents for a preparticipation physical examination (PPE) prior to high school football season. No prior cardiac concerns.

SOAP Note

Patient: Nathan W., 14-year-old male

Date of Visit: 07/20/2025

S (Subjective) Nathan presents for pre-sports clearance for football (position: lineman). No prior cardiac events, exercise-induced syncope, or chest pain. Denies dyspnea or palpitations with exertion. No family history of sudden cardiac death, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Marfan syndrome, or long QT syndrome. No prior musculoskeletal injuries. No prior concussions reported by patient or parents. Immunizations reviewed — up to date. Taking no prescription medications. Takes creatine supplement; discussed risks. No history of heat illness.

O (Objective)

  • Vital Signs:

    • Weight: 82 kg (90th percentile)
    • Height: 177 cm (75th percentile)
    • BMI: 26.2 (85th percentile)
    • BP: 120/74 mmHg (normal for age)
    • HR: 68 bpm
  • Physical Exam:

    • General: Athletic, well-nourished adolescent male in no distress
    • HEENT: Pupils equal and reactive; EOMs intact; no vision concerns; no nasal polyps; TMs clear
    • Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm; no murmur at rest (including leaning forward and standing); no gallop or rub; no carotid bruits. Femoral pulses 2+ bilaterally (no radio-femoral delay).
    • Pulmonary: Clear to auscultation bilaterally; no wheeze
    • Abdomen: Soft; no hepatosplenomegaly (standard PPE screen for contact sports)
    • Musculoskeletal: Full ROM all extremities; no joint effusion, instability, or tenderness. No scoliosis on forward bend test (Adams test negative). Normal shoulder and knee stability testing.
    • Skin: No concerning nevi; no tinea corporis
    • Neuro: Cranial nerves II–XII intact; normal balance testing (single-leg stance 10+ seconds bilaterally); ImPACT baseline concussion testing completed
  • Vision Screening: 20/20 bilateral

  • Marfan Screen: Arm span/height ratio normal; no arachnodactyly; no lens subluxation

A (Assessment)

  1. Z02.5 — Encounter for examination for participation in sport
  2. No contraindications to full sports participation identified
  3. BMI 85th–95th percentile — counsel on healthy weight maintenance and avoid weight manipulation for sport

P (Plan)

  1. Cleared: Nathan is cleared for full unrestricted participation in contact/collision sport (football)
  2. Creatine supplement: Counseled that creatine is not recommended by AAP for adolescents due to limited safety data; advised to discontinue
  3. Heat illness prevention: Handout provided on hydration, acclimatization schedule, heat index guidelines; encourage 16–24 oz water pre-practice
  4. Concussion protocol: Baseline ImPACT scores recorded; school athletic trainer and Nathan's parents given information on concussion symptom recognition
  5. Follow-up: Return to office for any injury, concussion concern, or new symptom; annual well-adolescent visit

9. Adolescent Depression Screening

Description

A 16-year-old female presents for a routine annual exam. PHQ-A score indicates moderate depression. She endorses passive suicidal ideation without plan or intent.

SOAP Note

Patient: Olivia S., 16-year-old female

Date of Visit: 03/17/2026

S (Subjective) Olivia completed PHQ-A prior to visit; score = 14 (moderate depression range). During confidential portion of visit, she reports feeling sad "most of the time" for the past 2 months, decreased motivation, difficulty sleeping (takes 1–2 hours to fall asleep, wakes early), decreased concentration, and loss of enjoyment in activities she previously liked (art, friends). Reports appetite decreased slightly. Endorses passive suicidal ideation: "I sometimes think about not being here, but I'd never do anything." Denies plan, intent, access to means, or prior attempts. Stressors include academic pressure (AP courses), conflict with boyfriend (recently broke up), and feeling misunderstood by parents. Denies substance use. Family history: Mother treated for depression (on SSRI).

O (Objective)

  • Vital Signs:

    • Weight: 56 kg (55th percentile)
    • Height: 164 cm (60th percentile)
    • BP: 104/68 mmHg
    • HR: 74 bpm
    • SpO2: 99%
  • Mental Status Exam:

    • Appearance: Age-appropriate dress; mild tearfulness; maintains eye contact
    • Affect: Constricted, sad
    • Thought process: Linear, goal-directed
    • Thought content: Passive suicidal ideation without plan or intent (confirmed by direct questioning); no homicidal ideation; no psychosis
    • Insight and judgment: Intact; agrees help would be beneficial
    • Cognitive: No gross impairment
  • PHQ-A: 14/27 (Moderate depression)

  • C-SSRS: Ideation type 2 (passive) — no plan, no intent, no behavior

  • Physical Exam:

    • General: Alert, cooperative, mildly tearful but engaged
    • Thyroid: No goiter
    • Skin: No self-harm lesions (wrists and forearms examined)

A (Assessment)

  1. F32.1 — Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate (DSM-5 criteria met: depressed mood + anhedonia for > 2 weeks with ≥ 5 total symptoms + functional impairment)
  2. Passive suicidal ideation without plan or intent — low to moderate risk; safety plan completed

P (Plan)

  1. Safety plan: Developed collaboratively with Olivia; includes warning signs, coping strategies, social supports (best friend, aunt), and crisis resources (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, local ED). Mother informed with Olivia's consent regarding safety plan (limits of confidentiality explained).
  2. Referral: Referral placed to adolescent mental health/therapist for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); appointment scheduled within 2 weeks
  3. Medication: Discussed SSRI option with patient and parent. Olivia and mother prefer to start therapy first. Will reassess at follow-up in 4 weeks; SSRI initiated if PHQ-A not improved.
  4. School: Discussed with mother: consider talking to school counselor about academic support during this period
  5. Lifestyle: Reviewed sleep hygiene, limiting social media, encouraging physical activity and reconnecting with art
  6. Follow-up: 2 weeks (earlier if symptoms worsen); crisis resources reviewed and confirmed understood by both Olivia and mother

10. Urinary Tract Infection

Description

An 8-year-old female presents with 2 days of dysuria, urinary frequency, and suprapubic discomfort. No fever. First UTI.

SOAP Note

Patient: Emma K., 8-year-old female

Date of Visit: 03/19/2026

S (Subjective) Mother reports Emma has been complaining of "it burns when I pee" for 2 days. She is urinating every 1–2 hours and complains of lower abdominal discomfort, especially just before and during urination. No fever at home. No vomiting. No flank or back pain. No vaginal discharge or lesions. No prior UTIs. Last menstrual period: premenarchal. No known allergies to medications. Good oral fluid intake maintained.

O (Objective)

  • Vital Signs:

    • Weight: 27 kg
    • Temp: 37.0°C
    • HR: 88 bpm
    • Resp: 18/min
    • BP: 96/60 mmHg
  • Physical Exam:

    • General: Alert, well-appearing; mild discomfort; in no acute distress
    • Abdomen: Soft; mild suprapubic tenderness on palpation; no CVA tenderness (renal angle exam benign bilaterally); no flank tenderness; no guarding or rebound
    • GU: External genitalia inspected — no discharge, no labial erythema, no lesions
  • Urinalysis (clean-catch midstream):

    • Color: Cloudy yellow
    • WBCs: 25–50/hpf (markedly elevated)
    • Nitrites: Positive
    • Leukocyte esterase: 3+
    • Bacteria: Moderate gram-negative rods
    • RBCs: 5–10/hpf
    • Urine culture: Sent; results pending in 48–72 hours

A (Assessment)

  1. N39.0 — Urinary tract infection, site not specified (uncomplicated cystitis most likely given no fever, no CVA tenderness, afebrile, and lower urinary tract symptoms)

P (Plan)

  1. Antibiotics: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) 5 mg TMP/kg/dose BID = 135 mg TMP BID; given as 1 DS tablet (160 mg TMP) BID x 3 days (standard for uncomplicated pediatric cystitis per local resistance patterns)
  2. Hydration: Encourage adequate fluid intake; avoid bladder irritants (caffeine, carbonated drinks)
  3. Hygiene: Front-to-back wiping technique reinforced; full bladder emptying encouraged; avoid tight clothing
  4. Culture follow-up: Will review urine culture results in 48 hours; adjust antibiotic if organism resistant
  5. Renal ultrasound: Not indicated for first uncomplicated UTI in school-age female per AAP guidelines; will reassess if recurrent UTIs
  6. Return precautions: Return or go to ED if develops fever > 38.5°C, worsening symptoms, flank/back pain, or does not improve within 48 hours of antibiotics
  7. Follow-up: Call in 48–72 hours to discuss culture results; recheck if not improved

Frequently Asked Questions

A strong pediatric SOAP note documents the chief complaint in the caregiver's words, includes age-appropriate developmental context, records accurate weight-based vitals, captures objective findings using pediatric norms (growth percentiles, age-specific vital sign ranges), assigns DSM-5 or ICD-10 codes where applicable, and includes an anticipatory guidance or patient education component in the plan. All examples below demonstrate these elements.

For infants and non-verbal children, attribute all subjective information to the caregiver: 'Mother reports...' or 'Father states...' Document caregiver observations of behavior changes, feeding patterns, sleep disturbances, and symptom onset. For toddlers who can use basic language, document both child and caregiver reports. Note the reliability of the historian and any discrepancies between informants.

Record weight, height/length, and head circumference (under age 3) at every visit. Plot on CDC growth charts and document the specific percentile. Include BMI percentile for children 2 and older. Note whether the child is tracking along their established percentile curve or crossing lines. Document z-scores for research or nutritional assessment contexts.

Document each vaccine administered: name (brand and generic), lot number, expiration date, dose in mg or mL, route (IM, SC), and injection site. Note that Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) were provided and reviewed with the parent/guardian, including VIS publication date. Record post-vaccination observation time and any immediate reactions. Document in the state immunization registry.

Always document the current weight in kg, the mg/kg/day or mg/kg/dose calculation, the resulting dose in both mg and mL (for liquid formulations), the drug concentration used, and the dosing frequency. Example: 'Amoxicillin 90 mg/kg/day = 720 mg/day divided q12h = 360 mg (7.2 mL of 250 mg/5 mL) twice daily x 10 days.' This protects against dosing errors and demonstrates clinical reasoning.

Yes, SOAPNoteAI.com is a HIPAA-compliant AI documentation tool with a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA) that works for pediatric visits. It's available as an iPhone and iPad app, letting you capture notes during or immediately after patient encounters. The AI understands pediatric-specific elements including developmental assessments, growth data, weight-based dosing, and age-specific terminology.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical judgment. Always consult current clinical guidelines and your institution's policies.

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