Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) Checklist
Systematic pediatric early warning assessment to detect clinical deterioration early and trigger appropriate intervention.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Per shift/Per protocol
- Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes
- Role: Pediatric Nurse
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: PEWS Validated Tool, AAP Guidelines, Joint Commission Standards
Cardiovascular
Cardiac assessment
- Heart rate assessed and scored?
- Capillary refill assessed?
- Blood pressure assessed?
Respiratory
Breathing assessment
- Respiratory rate assessed and scored?
- Work of breathing assessed?
- Oxygen requirement documented?
Neurological
Neuro status
- Behavior/mental status assessed?
- AVPU scale documented?
Additional Observations
Other concerns
- Staff concern documented?
- Family concern documented?
Total Score & Action
Calculate and respond
- Total PEWS score calculated?
- Appropriate action per protocol?
Pre-Assessment Information
Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification
- Assessor Name / Credentials
- Assessment Date
- Department / Unit
- Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
- Previous assessment findings reviewed?
Infection Prevention & Control
Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards
- Hand hygiene compliance observed?
- Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
- Isolation precautions properly implemented?
- Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
- High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?
Patient Safety & Identification
Verify patient safety protocols and identification procedures
- Two patient identifiers used before procedures?
- Fall risk assessment completed?
- Call light within patient reach?
- Bed in lowest position with brakes locked?
Medication Safety & Management
Verify medication handling and administration practices
- Medications stored securely and at proper temperature?
- Controlled substances properly secured and counted?
- No expired medications in stock?
- High-alert medications properly labeled?
Related Healthcare Checklists
- Hand Hygiene Compliance
- Medication Safety Check
- Surgical Safety Checklist
- Fall Prevention Assessment
- Joint Commission Readiness
- HIPAA Compliance Audit