Systematic Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real PALS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Systematic Assessment flashcards as text
During the secondary assessment of a pediatric patient, SAMPLE history is obtained. What does the 'A' in SAMPLE stand for?
Answer: Allergies
A in SAMPLE stands for Allergies, including drug, food, and environmental allergies that may affect treatment choices.
A 3-year-old presents with fever, petechiae, and altered mental status. The PAT shows abnormal appearance and mottled skin. What is the most appropriate next action?
Answer: Immediately activate emergency response and begin primary assessment interventions
Abnormal PAT findings indicating cardiopulmonary compromise require immediate emergency activation and primary assessment interventions without delay.
In pediatric assessment, which capillary refill time is considered abnormal?
Answer: Greater than 2 seconds
Capillary refill greater than 2 seconds is abnormal and suggests reduced perfusion to the extremities.
A 7-year-old has stridor at rest, drooling, and refuses to lie down. Which PAT component is most abnormal?
Answer: Both Appearance and Work of Breathing
Stridor indicates increased work of breathing, while drooling and refusal to lie flat suggest altered appearance (anxious, posturing), making both components abnormal.
During the tertiary assessment, which diagnostic tool is specifically used to detect occult dysrhythmias or conduction abnormalities?
Answer: 12-lead ECG
A 12-lead ECG is used in the tertiary assessment to identify dysrhythmias, conduction defects, and QT abnormalities not apparent on a monitor strip.
Which assessment finding in a 2-year-old most strongly suggests compensated versus decompensated shock?
Answer: Blood pressure within normal range for age
In compensated shock, blood pressure is maintained within normal limits for age through compensatory mechanisms before decompensation occurs.
A child's SpO2 reads 94% on room air during the primary assessment. According to PALS, what oxygen saturation threshold should trigger supplemental oxygen administration?
Answer: Below 94%
PALS recommends supplemental oxygen for pediatric patients with SpO2 below 94% to prevent progression to respiratory failure.