Question

The nurse is taking the apical pulse of a 6-month-old infant. Upon completion, the nurse tells the parent the baby's pulse is 140 beats per minute. The parent is concerned, stating, 'That seems kind of high!' The nurse responds what?

Answer 1

The nurse should reassure the parent that a pulse rate of 140 beats per minute in a 6-month-old infant is within the normal range. Infants have higher heart rates compared to adults because their metabolic rate is faster, and their hearts need to work harder to supply oxygen to their rapidly growing bodies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should reassure the parent that a pulse rate of 140 beats per minute in a 6-month-old infant is within the normal range. Infants have higher heart rates compared to adults because their metabolic rate is faster, and their hearts need to work harder to supply oxygen to their rapidly growing bodies. A normal range for an infant's pulse rate is typically between 100 to 160 beats per minute.

It's important to note that there are factors that can temporarily increase an infant's heart rate, such as crying, fever, and physical activity. Therefore, it's essential to consider the context when interpreting a single pulse rate measurement.

If the parent has further concerns, the nurse may recommend contacting a pediatrician for a more comprehensive assessment and guidance.