Bradycardia

Question 1

Bradycardia definition

Answer 1

HR <60 or <50 if asymptomatic

Question 2

Common causes of bradycardia in paediatrics

Answer 2

Hypoxia
Hypovolaemia
Aims are to correct prior to drug administration

Question 3

Management of bradycardia

Answer 3

• Assess perfusion status, cardiac rhythm
• Inadequate perfusion:
• Correct hypoxia, commenced CPR is HR <60 (neonate) or <40 (paed) with altered conscious state.
• ICP: Atropin 600mcg IV, repeated 3-5 mins; adrenaline infusion; transcutaneous external pacing

Question 4

Causes of bradycardia

Answer 4

• Vagal nerve stimulation: suctioning, gag reflex
• Hypoxia
• Dehydration (paeds)
• SCI