In a hypoxic child, which rhythm change is most commonly observed?

In a hypoxic child, which rhythm change is most commonly observed?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Ventricular fibrillation
• D. Asystole

Answer: (A)

In children, when hypoxia develops, the heart rate is the first rhythm to reflect that injury. Hypoxia depresses the sinoatrial node and increases vagal tone, so as oxygen delivery falls, the heart rate slows before more malignant rhythms appear. Since pediatric arrests are most often due to respiratory failure leading to hypoxia, bradycardia is the most commonly observed rhythm change. Ventricular fibrillation and other rapid chaotic rhythms are uncommon initial findings in kids, and asystole or pulseless electrical activity tend to occur later as hypoxia worsens and metabolic derangements accumulate. Therefore, bradycardia is the best answer.

In children, when hypoxia develops, the heart rate is the first rhythm to reflect that injury. Hypoxia depresses the sinoatrial node and increases vagal tone, so as oxygen delivery falls, the heart rate slows before more malignant rhythms appear. Since pediatric arrests are most often due to respiratory failure leading to hypoxia, bradycardia is the most commonly observed rhythm change. Ventricular fibrillation and other rapid chaotic rhythms are uncommon initial findings in kids, and asystole or pulseless electrical activity tend to occur later as hypoxia worsens and metabolic derangements accumulate. Therefore, bradycardia is the best answer.