Ace the CPEN Challenge 2026 – Unleash Your Pediatric Superpowers!

The initial assessment in the evaluation of a critically ill child is referred to as the primary survey. This assessment is crucial as it quickly identifies life-threatening conditions and establishes the priorities for immediate intervention. The primary survey follows a systematic approach, often using the ABCDE framework: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure.

In the context of pediatric emergency care, this process allows the healthcare provider to assess and act swiftly on critical issues such as airway obstruction, respiratory failure, or hemodynamic instability. By conducting the primary survey first, the clinician can ensure that the most severe and potentially reversible problems are addressed without delay.

Other assessments, such as the secondary survey or comprehensive reviews, occur later in the evaluation process. These focus on obtaining a more detailed history, performing a thorough physical examination, and uncovering additional injuries or medical issues that may not be immediately life-threatening. However, they do not take precedence over the urgent and immediate evaluations performed during the primary survey.