Early Warning Signs
What is the name of the system to calculate early warning signs in pediatrics?
PEWS
True or false: Hypotension is a late finding in a child with shock.
TRUE
Name 2 complications of hypertension
stroke
blood vessel damage
vision loss
kidney failure
heart attack
bone loss
Delegation
What is triage?
Sorting patients according toclinical urgency
Name 2 reasons why early warning signs are important
Helps identify subtle deterioration.
Supports consistent clinical observation.
Promotes timely escalation.
Improves communication among healthcare workers.
Supports decisions about increased monitoring and higher-level care.
Name three reasons that a pediatric patient might be tachycardia.
crying/scared
pain
dehydration
fever
medication
shock
heart abnormalities
Name 2 factors that can affect the accuracy of SPO2
nail polish
too much patient movement
decreased perfusion
abnormal hemoglobin
severe anemia
What is an urgent task?
Task that requires immediate or time-sensitive attention
A patient has no red or yellow signs and has normal vital signs. What color would they be assigned?
What are early warning signs?
Clinical symptoms, physical findings, or abnormal physiological measurements that indicate a patient's condition may be worsening.
What is the normal respiratory rate for a baby who is 2 months old?
30-60 cycles per minute
Name 3 times you should obtain vital signs?
On admission – to obtain baseline data
Patient change in health status or reports symptoms
According to a nursing or medical order/Hospital Policy
Before and after administration of certain medications that could affect the RR or BP (Respiratory and CVS)
Before & after surgery or an invasive diagnostic procedures
Before & after a nursing intervention that could affect the vitals signs e.g. Ambulation
What is an important task?
Task that has a significant impact on patient outcomes, safety, or quality of care.
A 2 day old presents for a fever. What color would they be?
Red
Name 2 categories in NEWS2
respiratory rateSPO2
air/oxygen
systolic blood pressure
pulse
consciousness
temperature
Can be inaccurately low
What is the most accurate way to check a core temperature?
Rectal
Name 2 reasons why prioritization is important
•Multiple patients with competing needs.
•Constant interruptions and unexpected events.
•Limited time, staff, and resources.
•The consequences of delayed interventions.
•Balancing patient safety with workflow demands.
A patient arrives with complete airway obstruction. What triage priorityshould be assigned?
Red (immediate/emergent)
On the PEWS score, what should you do if the patient scores a 3?
Assess q2hr
Why is a baby more likely to become hypothermic?
Higher body surface area
What is a normal MAP?
70
Which patient should you attend to first?
Patient A: Requesting pain medication for pain 2/10.
Patient B: Baby who was crying but has gone silent and the HR has dropped to 60.
Patient C: Patient who needs education about asthma prior to discharge.
Patient D: Patient in DKA who has finished their first bolus.
Patient B
What is one red criteria for a major burn?
Circumferential or involving face/neck
Inhalation injury
Any burn in someone <2yo or >70