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
- Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) Assessment Checklist
- Clinical Alarm Management Checklist
- Patient Identification Verification Procedure Checklist
- Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Checklist
- Critical Lab Value Notification Checklist
- Care Coordination Transition Checklist
- PCA Monitoring Checklist
- Environmental Services Patient Room Cleaning Checklist
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- Patient Fall Prevention Assessment Checklist - FREE Download
- Surgical Site Marking & Time-Out Checklist - FREE Download
- Patient Restraint Assessment & Monitoring Checklist - FREE Download
- Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist - FREE Download
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Why Use This Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) Checklist?
This pediatric early warning score (pews) checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for pediatric nurse professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 9 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift/per protocol.
Ensures compliance with PEWS Validated Tool, AAP Guidelines, Joint Commission Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 9 sections: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Neurological, Additional Observations, Total Score & Action, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per shift/per protocol. Each completion takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
Who should use this Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Pediatric Nurse professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.