Pediatric Vital Signs and Trauma Assessment

Pediatric patients exhibit different vital signs compared to adults, and their ability to compensate in traumatic situations makes assessment challenging. Children often hide signs of shock, leading to a dangerous situation where a noticeable drop in blood pressure can occur unexpectedly. Therefore, relying on a general impression of the child's condition rather than just numerical vitals may be more effective. Observing the child's demeanor—whether they are alert or lethargic—and assessing cooling or clammy skin can provide critical insights into their health status.