Which assessment tool includes a focused history and physical exam in PALS?

The secondary assessment is integral in the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) framework as it involves a comprehensive approach to gathering further information following the primary assessment. During the secondary assessment, healthcare providers conduct a focused history and physical examination of the child, allowing for a deeper understanding of the patient's condition. This process helps to identify any underlying medical issues that may not have been apparent during the initial evaluation.

In this context, the focused history includes obtaining crucial information such as the child's medical history, any potential allergies, medications taken, and the circumstances of the current emergency. Simultaneously, the physical exam involves a thorough assessment of the child's vital signs, respiratory effort, circulation, neurological status, and any other physical findings that may inform the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Utilizing the secondary assessment appropriately allows for the identification of critical conditions that may require targeted interventions, ultimately improving the child's outcomes in emergent situations.