Pediatric Assessment Triangle Flashcards

A 3-year-old is brought in after a fall. She is crying loudly, pushes you away when you approach, and her skin appears pink and well-perfused. How does the PAT characterize this child?

Answer: Normal appearance, normal work of breathing, normal circulation

Crying vigorously, resisting examination, and pink perfused skin all indicate a stable child with normal PAT findings.

Which component of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle is assessed by observing the child's skin color from across the room?

Answer: Circulation to Skin

Circulation to Skin is evaluated by observing pallor, mottling, or cyanosis, which can be seen before physically touching the child.

A 6-month-old has audible grunting with each breath. This finding belongs to which PAT component?

Answer: Work of Breathing — abnormal breath sounds

Grunting is an abnormal breath sound that indicates increased work of breathing and is assessed under the Work of Breathing component.

The PAT is designed to be completed in approximately how long?

Answer: 30–60 seconds

The PAT is a rapid 30–60 second visual and auditory assessment performed before touching the child.

An 8-year-old is sitting bolt upright, leaning forward with arms braced on the stretcher. What PAT finding does this posture suggest?

Answer: Increased work of breathing with tripod positioning

Tripod positioning indicates the child is using accessory muscles and optimizing airway patency, reflecting significantly increased work of breathing.

Mottled skin in a 2-year-old without fever most likely indicates which PAT abnormality?

Answer: Abnormal circulation to skin

Mottling in an afebrile child signals poor perfusion and is an abnormal finding under the Circulation to Skin component of the PAT.

Which TICLS mnemonic element assesses whether a child makes eye contact and tracks your movement?

Answer: Look/Gaze

Look/Gaze in the TICLS mnemonic evaluates whether the child has a purposeful gaze and visually tracks people or objects.