Developmental Red Flags
Vital Signs: What Matters
Assessment Pearls
Clinical Decision Making
What’s the Next Step?
100

Not smiling by this age is concerning

What is 2 months?

100

Most sensitive early indicator of pediatric deterioration

What is respiratory rate?

100

You should always assess this before touching the child

What is general appearance?

100

A well-appearing febrile 3-year-old—first step in your evaluation?

What is focused history and physical?

100

Toddler screaming during exam—what do you do?

 What is examine while on caregiver’s lap / use play?

200

No head control by this age is a red flag

What is 4 months?

200

A fever in this age group is always high risk

What is <28 days old?

200

This exam component should be done last in young children

What is ear/throat exam?

200

An infant with poor feeding and lethargy requires…

What is urgent evaluation?

200

Infant with retractions and nasal flaring—next step?

What is assess airway and oxygenation immediately?

300

No single words by this age requires evaluation

What is 12–15 months?

300

This finding makes a BP reading unreliable in children

What is incorrect cuff size?

300

This sign distinguishes upper vs lower airway obstruction

 What is stridor vs wheezing?

300

A barking cough and stridor suggests…

 What is croup?

300

You suspect dehydration—best quick assessment?

What is capillary refill and mucous membranes?

400

Loss of previously acquired milestones suggests…

What is developmental regression (possible autism or neurologic issue)?

400

Persistent tachycardia despite fever reduction suggests…


What is possible dehydration or sepsis?

400

Capillary refill >3 seconds indicates…

 What is poor perfusion?

400

A child with drooling, tripod positioning, and fever—concern for?

 What is epiglottitis (medical emergency)?

400

Adolescent visit—parent in room—next step?

 What is ask parent to step out for private interview

500

No pointing or joint attention by this age raises concern for ASD

What is 18 months?

500

Pulse ox may be falsely reassuring in this condition

 What is impending respiratory failure?

500

This assessment tool evaluates pediatric appearance, work of breathing, and circulation

What is the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT)?

500

Unexplained bruising in various stages of healing suggests…

What is non-accidental trauma (child abuse)?

500

You suspect abuse—what is your responsibility?

 What is mandatory reporting?