Question

Which of the following differences should be expected when assessing a pediatric​ patient, as compared to an adult​ patient?

A. The normal respiratory rate is faster.
B. The normal pulse rate is slower.
C. An​ adult's tongue is proportionally larger than that of a child and should always be considered as a potential airway obstruction.
D. Capillary refill is not as reliable an indicator of circulatory status.

Answer 1

In assessing pediatric patients, one should expect a normal respiratory rate that is faster than that of an adult, with the rate decreasing from infancy to adolescence.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a pediatric patient as compared to an adult patient, a key difference should be expected in normal respiratory rates. Pediatric patients generally have a faster respiratory rate, which decreases with age. A child under 1 year of age has a normal respiratory rate between 30 and 60 breaths per minute, and this rate lowers to about 18 to 30 by the time they are 10 years old. Upon reaching adolescence, the rate adjusts closer to that of adults, which is 12 to 18 breaths per minute. This suggests that option 'A. The normal respiratory rate is faster' is the expected difference when comparing pediatric to adult patients. Additionally, in terms of the normal pulse rate, infants and young children often have higher pulse rates than adults, refuting option 'B'.