Introduction to the PALS Systematic Approach
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Article at a Glance
- The PALS systematic approach provides a prioritized system of assessment to guide the care of the pediatric patient.
- The Systematic Approach includes the pediatric triangle, the primary assessment, and the secondary assessment.
- The pediatric triangle includes observing the appearance, the work of breathing, and circulation of the child.
In PALS, a systematic approach is used when assessing the child. The systematic approach begins with the pediatric assessment triangle. The pediatric assessment triangle is a critical assessment looking for life threats from across the room. Next, comes the primary assessment and then the secondary assessment. However, there is a systematic approach to this. We use a systematic approach for a couple of reasons. The PALS systematic approach begins with the pediatric assessment triangle. We use a systematic approach to make sure we are prioritizing the care. We want to make sure we are looking at the right things at the right time to assess this child. Second, we want to make sure we don’t miss something. Third, this system ultimately should become reproducible. Over time, you’re going to be using the same system over and over again. We have our priorities in order so we don’t miss something. The PALS systematic approach is a series of three assessments. In other articles, we’ll be reviewing the systematic approach to pediatric care, starting with the pediatric assessment triangle, the primary assessment, and then the secondary assessment. Read: PALS Pediatric Assessment TriangleIntroduction to the PALS Systematic Approach
Related Video – Understanding the ACLS Systematic Approach Algorithm
Related Video – Pediatric Assessment Triangle
This article introduces the PALS systematic approach. Using this system, providers make sure they are prioritizing care by using the pediatric assessment triangle. Following articles will go into more detail.Summary
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