The Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) can be used to triage a sick child.
The 3 sides of triangle:
(1) appearance (A)
(2) breathing work (B)
(3) circulation to skin (C)
Appearance may include:
(1) abnormal muscle tone
(2) decreased interactions
(3) reduced consolability
(4) abnormal gaze
(5) abnormal cry or speech
These elements can use the mnemonic TICLS (tone, interactiveness, consolability, look/gaze, and speech/cry).
Breathing may include:
(1) abnormal sounds
(2) retraction
(3) nasal flaring
(4) apnea or gasping
Circulation to the skin may include:
(1) pallor
(2) mottling
(3) cyanosis
A stable child should have all 3 sides normal.
The sicker the child the greater the number of abnormal sides.
