Pediatric Assessment Flashcards

When assessing a 3-year-old using the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT), which component evaluates skin color, moisture, and temperature?

Answer: Circulation to skin

Circulation to skin in the PAT evaluates pallor, mottling, cyanosis, and skin temperature to assess perfusion.

A 7-year-old involved in a bicycle accident is alert but crying with guarding of the right abdomen. Which vital sign finding is most concerning for internal hemorrhage?

Answer: HR 130, BP 82/60

A HR of 130 with a BP of 82/60 in a school-age child indicates decompensated shock from internal bleeding.

The AVPU scale is used during a pediatric assessment. What does the 'V' represent?

Answer: Responds to verbal stimuli

In the AVPU scale, 'V' means the patient responds to verbal stimuli but is not fully alert.

A 5-year-old presents with a respiratory rate of 42 breaths/min and nasal flaring. What is the normal respiratory rate range for this age group?

Answer: 20-30 breaths/min

The normal respiratory rate for preschool-age children (3-6 years) is approximately 20-30 breaths per minute.

During a pediatric secondary assessment, you note that a 10-month-old has a bulging anterior fontanelle while supine and calm. This finding most suggests:

Answer: Increased intracranial pressure

A bulging fontanelle in a calm, supine infant indicates elevated intracranial pressure and is always abnormal.

Which mnemonic is most commonly used during the pediatric focused history to gather chief complaint, history, and associated symptoms?

Answer: OPQRST

OPQRST (Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time) is used to evaluate the nature and characteristics of a symptom.

A 4-year-old is found unresponsive after possible submersion. After establishing unresponsiveness, your first action should be:

Answer: Open the airway and check for breathing

For pediatric patients, after confirming unresponsiveness, open the airway and assess breathing before initiating CPR.