Pediatric Assessment Triangle Flashcards

A child has a normal PAT but deteriorates during the primary assessment. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Answer: Reassess and immediately address any life threats found

The PAT is dynamic; if the child deteriorates, the clinician must stop, reassess, and treat life-threatening problems as they are identified.

A 4-year-old presents with labored breathing but appears alert, interactive, and pink. Which PAT pattern does this represent?

Answer: Respiratory distress — abnormal work of breathing only

Abnormal work of breathing with normal appearance and circulation indicates respiratory distress, which is compensated and requires prompt but not emergent intervention.

Nasal flaring in an infant is classified under which PAT component?

Answer: Work of Breathing

Nasal flaring is a sign of increased respiratory effort and is assessed under Work of Breathing in the PAT.

Which combination of PAT findings is MOST consistent with decompensated shock?

Answer: Abnormal appearance and abnormal circulation, normal work of breathing

Decompensated shock typically presents with altered mental status (abnormal appearance) and poor perfusion (abnormal circulation) without primary respiratory pathology.

A 7-year-old has intercostal and supraclavicular retractions with absent breath sounds on the left. Which TWO PAT components are abnormal?

Answer: Work of Breathing and Circulation

Significant retractions indicate increased work of breathing, and absent breath sounds with likely tension pneumothorax impairs circulation, making both components abnormal.

The 'C' (Consolability) in TICLS refers to:

Answer: Whether crying stops when a caregiver provides comfort

Consolability assesses whether the child's distress is soothed by caregiver interaction, which reflects normal social and neurologic responsiveness.

A 10-month-old is limp, pale, and making no sounds. How many PAT components are abnormal?

Answer: Two — appearance and circulation

Limpness and silence indicate abnormal appearance, while pallor signals abnormal circulation to skin — two components, consistent with possible cardiopulmonary failure risk.