BRADYCARDIA ALGORITHM

Bradycardia in pediatric patients often indicates hypoxia or increased vagal tone. Prompt recognition and management are essential to prevent progression to cardiac arrest.

Signs of Bradycardia:

• Heart rate below normal for age (e.g., <100 bpm in neonates, <60 bpm in older children).
• Poor perfusion (e.g., weak pulses, delayed capillary refill).
• Altered mental status or lethargy.

Management Algorithm:

• Step 1: Ensure oxygenation and ventilation with 100% oxygen.
• Step 2: If heart rate <60 bpm with signs of poor perfusion, initiate chest compressions.
• Step 3: Administer epinephrine (0.01 mg/kg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes).
• Step 4: Consider atropine (0.02 mg/kg) for bradycardia due to vagal stimulation or AV block.
• Step 5: Treat reversible causes (e.g., hypoxia, hypothermia).

Early intervention in bradycardia can prevent progression to cardiac arrest and improve outcomes.