What does the acronym PAT Triangle refer to in pediatric assessment?

The PAT Triangle stands for Pediatric Assessment Triangle, which is a critical tool used in the rapid assessment of pediatric patients. This approach helps healthcare providers quickly evaluate a child's clinical status by assessing three key components: appearance, breathing, and circulation.

In the PAT Triangle, the assessment of appearance includes evaluating the child's level of alertness, tone, and overall demeanor. This component provides insights into the child's neurological status and potential distress. The assessment of breathing focuses on the effectiveness of the child's respiratory efforts, looking for signs of respiratory distress or failure. Lastly, circulation assessment involves checking skin color and temperature to gauge perfusion and potential circulatory issues.

Using the PAT Triangle allows providers to form a quick impression of the child's condition, determine the urgency of care needed, and decide what interventions may be necessary, all critical steps in providing effective emergency care to pediatric patients.