Final answer:
Bradycardia in pediatric patients refers to a heart rate that is lower than the normal range for a child's age, which can be caused by internal or external factors and may require treatment based on the underlying cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bradycardia in Pediatric Patients
Bradycardia is defined as a resting heart rate (HR) below 60 beats per minute (bpm) in adults, but pediatric patients have different normal HR ranges based on age. When the heart rate is considered lower than the normal for a specific age group in children, it is referred to as pediatric bradycardia. It is essential to determine if the child has symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, chest discomfort, palpitations, or respiratory distress, as these can indicate the heart may not be delivering enough oxygenated blood to the body.
The causes of bradycardia can be internal to the heart, such as abnormalities in the sinoatrial (SA) or atrioventricular (AV) nodes, or external, like metabolic or endocrine disorders, electrolyte imbalances, neurological conditions, or pharmaceutical effects. Treatments are targeted at addressing the underlying cause, which may include the use of a pacemaker, medications, or lifestyle adjustments, along with supportive measures like supplemental oxygen if necessary.