Final answer:
The expected reference range for a 2-year-old's pulse rate is 120 beats per minute, with a normal range being between 90 and 140 beats per minute for this age group.
Step-by-step explanation:
An EKG technician is obtaining a pulse rate for a 2-year-old patient. The expected reference range for this patient's pulse rate is c. 120/min. This is because a normal heart rate for toddlers (ages 1-3 years) typically ranges between 90 and 140 beats per minute. Therefore, a pulse rate of 60/min would be indicative of bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate), while a pulse of 150/min would suggest tachycardia (a faster than normal heart rate) in this age group.
It is essential to know that heart rates can vary depending on several factors, including activity level, overall health, and the presence of any cardiovascular disorders. The EKG technician must be aware of these variables when determining if a heart rate is within a normal range for a 2-year-old patient.