Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Assessment of the unwell child

Adriana Yock Corrales1, Mike Starr

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. adriana.yockcorrales@rch.org.au

Australian Family Physician
|May 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Recognizing seriously ill children is crucial as they may initially appear well. Early assessment using the paediatric assessment triangle and structured surveys ensures timely emergency management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Emergency Medicine
  • General Practice

Background:

  • Children often present with non-specific illnesses.
  • Seriously ill children may initially compensate well, masking severe conditions.
  • Risk of underestimating or overlooking serious illness in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide guidance on early recognition of seriously ill children.
  • To outline effective management strategies for critically unwell pediatric patients.
  • To emphasize preparedness for emergency management in primary care settings.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing the paediatric assessment triangle (appearance, breathing, circulation to skin).
  • Implementing a primary survey focused on basic life support and immediate management.
  • Conducting a secondary survey with detailed history and physical examination.
  • Emphasizing continuous patient assessment.

Main Results:

  • The paediatric assessment triangle offers a structured approach to initial evaluation.
  • Systematic primary and secondary surveys are essential for comprehensive assessment.
  • Preparedness of medical practitioners and staff is vital for effective emergency care.

Conclusions:

  • Early recognition and management of seriously ill children require a systematic approach.
  • The paediatric assessment triangle, primary, and secondary surveys are key components of assessment.
  • Medical teams must be equipped and trained for initial emergency management of critically unwell children.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of Respiration01:23

Assessment of Respiration

The respiratory system's basic structures and primary functions lay the foundation for nurses' comprehensive respiratory assessments. This assessment includes subjective and objective data to gauge the patient's respiratory health.
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
Nursing Assessment01:29

Nursing Assessment

The two sources for collecting information are primary and secondary. After gathering information, interpretation and validation help to complete the data. The purpose of assessment is to establish data with the initial information, to interpret data about the patient's perceived needs and health problems, and to respond to these problems identified.
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments and...
Assessment of apical pulse01:17

Assessment of apical pulse

Assessing the Apical Pulse
Assessing the apical pulse is a critical nursing procedure, particularly indicated for:
Data Collection III01:05

Data Collection III

The physical assessment examines the patient for objective data that defines the patient's condition, and aids in formulating the nursing care plan. The purpose of physical assessment is a health status appraisal, which includes identifying health problems, and establishing a database for nursing intervention.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications01:19

Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications

Respiratory assessment is a cornerstone of nursing assessments, crucial for the early detection of patient deterioration. This evaluation transcends routine procedures, representing a critical skill nurses must master to ensure optimal patient care.
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles01:30

Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...