Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS)
Standardised scoring tool to detect clinical deterioration in hospitalised children. Triggers escalation to senior review or PICU referral.
Score interpretation
→ PEWS 0–2: Low risk of deterioration. Continue routine monitoring at current frequency. Reassess if clinical concern.
→ PEWS 3–5: Increased risk. Notify nurse-in-charge; consider calling on-call paediatric registrar; increase observation frequency; consider PICU referral review.
→ PEWS ≥6: High risk of deterioration. Immediate senior review; contact paediatric registrar and consider PICU; prepare for emergency intervention; continuous monitoring; consider critical care transfer.
Interpretation bands for the PEWS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Withdrawal Assessment Tool (WAT-1) for Paediatric Iatrogenic Withdrawal · Critical Care
- Oxygenation Index (OI) · Critical Care
- Paediatric Fluid Resuscitation Calculator · Critical Care
- Paediatric Index of Mortality 3 (PIM3) · Critical Care
- Berlin Criteria for ARDS · Critical Care
- Berlin Criteria for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) · Critical Care
- Melatonin · Melatonin Receptor Agonist
- Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) · Vitamin K (clotting factor cofactor)
- Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) · Vitamin K (Coagulation Factor Synthesis)
- Sodium hyaluronate · Ocular lubricant (hyaluronic acid)
- Ibuprofen (Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Pain) · NSAID — Non-selective COX Inhibitor
- Vitamin K (Phytomenadione) · Vitamin / Haemostatic
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.