Pedemy All toolsPick the age, then score behavior, circulation and breathing. Tap any earlier answer to change it.
This tool shows normal pediatric vital sign ranges by age and calculates a Brighton Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS). It is for nurses and doctors assessing children on the ward or in the emergency department.
You first pick an age band, from newborn to 12 years and older. The tool then scores behavior, cardiovascular status and respiratory status from 0 to 3 each, using findings such as capillary refill time, skin color, heart rate above normal, breathing rate above normal, retractions and oxygen requirement. Two extra points are added for nebulizers every 15 minutes or persistent vomiting after surgery.
The result shows the total score with a suggested action: routine observations for low scores, hourly observations at 3, physician review within 30 minutes at 4, and immediate senior review at 5 or more. A score of 3 in any single area also needs prompt review. It also lists normal heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure, the hypotension threshold and an estimated weight for the chosen age. Ranges come from the AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider Manual, 2020; the score follows Monaghan 2005; weight estimates use APLS formulas.
For children aged 1–2 years, this tool lists a normal heart rate of 98–140 beats per minute awake and 80–120 asleep, with a respiratory rate of 22–37 breaths per minute.
Behavior, cardiovascular and respiratory findings are each scored 0 to 3, and 2 points are added for nebulizers every 15 minutes or persistent vomiting after surgery. A total of 5 or more prompts immediate senior review; 4 prompts physician review within 30 minutes; 3 prompts hourly observations.
Using PALS thresholds in this tool: systolic BP under 60 in newborns, under 70 at 1–12 months, under 70 + (2 × age in years) from 1 to 10 years, and under 90 from 10 years and in adolescents.
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