The Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) is used to quickly determine a child's overall status.

• A. It is used to guide full diagnostic testing at the scene
• B. It is used to quickly determine a child's overall status
• C. It assesses only respiratory status
• D. It is used only in hospital settings

Answer: (B)

PAT is a rapid triage tool to determine a child's overall status by quickly assessing three domains: appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to the skin. This trio provides a fast snapshot of how ill a child is and helps you prioritize interventions and transport decisions right away. It isn’t meant to replace full diagnostic testing at the scene; instead, it guides immediate priorities based on the child’s initial condition. Because it includes appearance and perfusion, it covers more than just respiratory status. And it’s designed for use in prehospital and emergency settings, not only in hospitals, to quickly identify children who are deteriorating versus those who are relatively stable.