Which sign may indicate impending cardiac arrest in a child?

A respiratory rate over 60 breaths per minute is a significant indicator of potential respiratory distress in a child. When a child is in severe distress or experiencing an illness that could lead to cardiac arrest, their body may compensate for the lack of oxygen or the buildup of carbon dioxide by increasing the respiratory rate. This symptom, particularly at such a high threshold, may point to an underlying serious condition, including respiratory failure or shock, which can eventually lead to cardiac arrest.

In pediatric patients, a normal respiratory rate varies significantly, typically around 20 to 30 breaths per minute for children. When the respiratory rate exceeds 60, it typically signifies a critical situation that may rapidly deteriorate, making it a vital sign to monitor closely in the context of impending cardiac events. Awareness of this change allows for timely interventions to prevent further decline in the child’s condition.

Other signs such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and a fever, while they may indicate illness or strain on the body, do not as directly correlate with impending cardiac arrest in the context of respiratory failure. They can be symptoms of various conditions but do not specifically highlight a child's immediate risk of deteriorating to cardiac arrest compared to a significantly elevated respiratory rate.