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Mnemonic: ABCDEF

Appearance

  • The ‘A’ in the pediatric assessment triangle
    • Interactive vs distant
    • Good tone vs floppy
    • Calm and happy vs inconsolable

Breathing

  • The ‘B’ in the pediatric assessment triangle
    • Signs of respiratory distress
      • Nasal flaring
      • Retractions
      • Abnormal respiratory sounds

Color/Circulation

  • The ‘C’ in the pediatric assessment triangle
  • Pink = good
  • Abnormalities
    • Pallor
    • Cyanosis
    • Mottling

Distraction

  • Almost impossible to do a good peds exam in a crying kid
    • Easiest ways to keep kids distracted
      • Let parents hold/play with them
      • Toys
      • Stethoscope
      • Funny sounds/noises

ENT

  • Many times the kids don’t localize the symptoms
  • May present with vomiting, fever, irritability, etc
  • If difficulty examining pharynx, consider triggering a gag reflex

Fully Undress

  • Look for bruising, rash, blisters
  • Signs of non-accidental trauma
  • GU exam (especially in boys, check the testes!)

Additional Reading