PEARS Pediatric Assessment Triangle 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Reassess and immediately address any life threats found

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Respiratory distress — abnormal work of breathing only

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Work of Breathing

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Abnormal appearance and abnormal circulation, normal work of breathing

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Work of Breathing and Circulation

Answer

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

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

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

PEARS Pediatric Assessment Triangle 3