Pediatric Assessment Triangle Flashcards

Which PAT finding in a 3-month-old should concern you MOST about a central nervous system problem?

Answer: Poor muscle tone and absent eye tracking

Poor muscle tone and absence of visual tracking are abnormal appearance findings that directly point to CNS dysfunction or severe metabolic illness.

A toddler is brought in for suspected ingestion and is extremely drowsy with cyanotic lips. What is the MOST urgent PAT-driven concern?

Answer: Cardiopulmonary failure requiring immediate resuscitation

Abnormal appearance (drowsy) plus cyanosis (abnormal circulation) indicates cardiopulmonary failure, the most critical PEARS category requiring immediate intervention.

Stridor heard without a stethoscope is classified under which PAT component?

Answer: Work of Breathing — abnormal breath sounds

Stridor is an audible abnormal breath sound caused by upper airway obstruction and is assessed under the Work of Breathing component.

Why is the PAT performed BEFORE touching or fully exposing the child?

Answer: To obtain an initial impression without causing distress that could alter findings

Performing the PAT hands-off minimizes iatrogenic agitation, allowing the clinician to observe the child's baseline respiratory effort, appearance, and skin color.

A child is sitting on her parent's lap, crying, with subcostal retractions and diffuse expiratory wheezing. Her skin is pink. Which PAT pattern is present?

Answer: Respiratory distress with one abnormal component

Retractions and wheezing reflect increased work of breathing, while normal appearance and pink skin indicate only one PAT component is abnormal, consistent with respiratory distress.

In the PAT, 'Interactivity' is BEST assessed by:

Answer: Observing whether the child reaches for objects or engages with the environment

Interactivity is assessed by watching whether the child appropriately engages with toys, caregivers, or the environment — a hands-off behavioral observation.

A 5-year-old post-trauma has normal skin color, is alert and speaking, but has paradoxical chest wall movement. Which PAT component is MOST abnormal?

Answer: Work of Breathing

Paradoxical chest movement indicates flail chest physiology, a severe Work of Breathing abnormality, while appearance and circulation remain intact.