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Systematic Assessment Flashcards

7 cards from real PALS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Systematic Assessment flashcards as text

  1. A 5-year-old is unresponsive with absent breathing and no pulse. In the PALS systematic approach, what is the correct categorization of this presentation?

    Answer: Cardiopulmonary arrest

    Unresponsiveness with absent breathing and no pulse meets criteria for cardiopulmonary arrest, requiring immediate CPR.

  2. Which auscultatory finding during the primary assessment indicates air trapping and lower airway obstruction in a pediatric patient?

    Answer: Expiratory wheezing

    Expiratory wheezing indicates lower airway obstruction with air trapping, as in bronchospasm or asthma.

  3. During systematic assessment of a 4-year-old with suspected increased intracranial pressure, which pupillary finding is most concerning?

    Answer: Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil

    A unilateral fixed and dilated pupil (blown pupil) suggests uncal herniation from unilateral mass effect or severe ICP elevation.

  4. In the PALS assessment framework, the term 'identify and treat' means providers should:

    Answer: Identify and treat life threats as they are discovered during assessment

    PALS uses an 'identify and treat' approach, meaning life-threatening conditions are managed immediately as found rather than waiting for a complete assessment.

  5. A 9-year-old has a blood pressure of 70/40 mmHg, tachycardia, and altered mental status after a motor vehicle collision. Which type of shock is most likely?

    Answer: Hypovolemic

    Trauma with hypotension and tachycardia most commonly indicates hypovolemic shock from hemorrhage.

  6. When assessing the 'Appearance' component of the PAT in an infant, which finding is most consistent with abnormal tone?

    Answer: Limp body with no movement

    A limp, hypotonic infant indicates abnormal tone and is a significant PAT appearance abnormality suggesting serious illness.

  7. Which finding during the primary assessment 'C' (Circulation) step specifically differentiates distributive shock from hypovolemic shock?

    Answer: Warm, flushed skin with bounding pulses

    Warm, flushed skin with bounding pulses (hyperdynamic circulation) is characteristic of distributive (septic/anaphylactic) shock due to pathologic vasodilation.