PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT TRIANGLE (PAT)

The Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) is a rapid evaluation tool used to assess the severity of illness or injury in pediatric patients. It provides a structured approach to identify life-threatening conditions and prioritize interventions.

Components of the PAT:

• Appearance: Assessing the child’s tone, interactiveness, and look/gaze for signs of distress.
• Work of Breathing: Observing for increased respiratory effort, retractions, or abnormal sounds (e.g., wheezing, stridor).
• Circulation to Skin: Checking for pallor, mottling, or cyanosis to evaluate perfusion.

The PAT allows healthcare providers to quickly categorize a child’s condition as respiratory, circulatory, or combined in origin, guiding further assessment and management.