PEARS Pediatric Assessment Triangle 2

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

Normal appearance, normal work of breathing, normal circulation

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Circulation to Skin

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Work of Breathing — abnormal breath sounds

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

30–60 seconds

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Increased work of breathing with tripod positioning

Answer

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

(PEARS) Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization Practice Test

(PEARS) Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization Practice Test

PEARS Pediatric Assessment Triangle 2