Pediatric Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real CPEN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pediatric Assessment flashcards as text
When assessing a 2-year-old using the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT), which component evaluates the child's skin color and circulation?
Answer: Circulation to skin
The PAT's Circulation to Skin component evaluates skin color, mottling, pallor, and cyanosis to indicate perfusion status.
A 6-year-old presents with a heart rate of 140 bpm, respiratory rate of 28, capillary refill of 3 seconds, and altered mental status. This constellation BEST describes which pediatric emergency state?
Answer: Decompensated shock
Decompensated shock is present when altered mental status accompanies tachycardia, tachypnea, and prolonged capillary refill, indicating failing compensatory mechanisms.
Which pain assessment tool is MOST appropriate for a 4-year-old child who can understand simple instructions but cannot verbalize a numeric score?
Answer: Wong-Baker FACES scale
The Wong-Baker FACES scale is validated for children ages 3 and older who can point to a face representing their pain but cannot use numeric scales.
In a 9-month-old infant, the anterior fontanelle is bulging and tense at rest. This finding is MOST consistent with which condition?
Answer: Increased intracranial pressure
A bulging, tense anterior fontanelle at rest in an infant suggests elevated intracranial pressure requiring urgent evaluation.
When measuring blood pressure in a pediatric patient, which cuff size principle is MOST important for accuracy?
Answer: Cuff bladder width should be 40% of mid-arm circumference
The cuff bladder width should be approximately 40% of mid-arm circumference to ensure accurate blood pressure readings in children.
A 3-year-old is brought in after a seizure. During assessment, you note horizontal nystagmus and ataxia. Which ingestion should be HIGHEST on your differential?
Answer: Ethanol or benzodiazepines
Nystagmus and ataxia are classic signs of CNS depressant ingestion such as ethanol or benzodiazepines in the pediatric patient.
Which assessment finding in a neonate (0–28 days) requires the MOST immediate intervention?
Answer: Central cyanosis with respiratory rate of 70 breaths/min
Central cyanosis with tachypnea (RR >60) in a neonate indicates significant cardiorespiratory compromise requiring immediate intervention.