Final answer:
A) Respiratory failure and B) shock, particularly hypovolemic shock, are common causes of cardiac arrest in infants and children, whereas arrhythmias are a less frequent cause in this age group.
Step-by-step explanation:
The more common causes of cardiac arrest in infants and children include A) respiratory failure and B) shock.
While arrhythmia can cause cardiac arrest in people of all ages, respiratory failure is a leading cause, especially in infants and young children. This failure can lead to insufficient oxygen in the blood, causing the heart to stop.
Another common cause of cardiac arrest in young children is a type of shock called hypovolemic shock, which occurs with severe dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting.
On the other hand, conditions such as congenital anomalies and birth asphyxia can also contribute to cardiac emergencies.
In low-income countries, respiratory conditions like pneumonia and issues arising from preterm birth are predominant causes of death in children under five.