Final answer:
The 5-year-old patient displaying acute respiratory distress, a significantly reduced respiratory rate, changed mental status, and bradycardia needs immediate intervention. Airway management, supplemental oxygen, and preparation for potential resuscitation are crucial steps.
Step-by-step explanation:
You are assessing a 5-year-old patient with acute respiratory distress. The child has a significant decrease in respiratory rate to 6 breaths per minute, which is well below the normal range for their age. Alongside this, there is an altered mental status and a decrease in heart rate from 150 beats per minute to 66 beats per minute. The normal respiratory rate of a child varies by age, with children under 1 year old typically having a rate between 30 and 60 breaths per minute, while children around 10 years follow closer to 18 to 30 breaths per minute. By adolescence, the rate is similar to adults, with 12 to 18 breaths per minute being the normal range. This indicates that a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute is critically low for a 5-year-old and requires immediate intervention. A decrease in heart rate to 66 beats per minute from an initial 150 can indicate a compensatory response or a life-threatening condition, such as bradycardia. Coupled with the reduced respiratory rate and altered mental status, this can signal acute respiratory failure or cardiovascular compromise. Therefore, the immediate intervention should consist of ensuring airway patency, providing supplemental oxygen, and preparing for possible advanced airway management and cardiopulmonary resuscitation if necessary.