What is a common cause of bradycardia in children?

• A. Hypoxia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Fever
• D. Pain

Answer: (A)

Bradycardia in children is most often a sign of inadequate oxygen delivery to the body, especially the brain. When a child becomes hypoxic, the body’s reflexes increase vagal tone and slow the heart rate to preserve oxygen for vital organs. This makes hypoxia a common and important cause of a slow heart rate in pediatric patients, particularly during respiratory distress or airway compromise.

Hyperkalemia can slow conduction and cause bradycardia, but it’s less common as a cause in typical pediatric prehospital scenarios. Fever and pain usually raise heart rate through sympathetic stimulation, not slow it.