What is the infant pulse rate range?

What is the infant pulse rate range?

• A. 80-120 bpm
• B. 100-160 bpm
• C. 60-100 bpm
• D. 120-180 bpm

Answer: (B)

Infants have faster resting heart rates than older children and adults because of their high metabolic demand and developing autonomic control. A normal resting pulse for an infant is about 100–160 beats per minute. When checking, count for a full minute since rates can swing with crying, activity, or fever. A rate outside this range, especially if sustained, or if there are signs of distress like poor feeding, lethargy, or dehydration, needs further assessment. The other ranges are either lower than the typical baseline or reflect transient states rather than the usual resting rate.

Infants have faster resting heart rates than older children and adults because of their high metabolic demand and developing autonomic control. A normal resting pulse for an infant is about 100–160 beats per minute. When checking, count for a full minute since rates can swing with crying, activity, or fever. A rate outside this range, especially if sustained, or if there are signs of distress like poor feeding, lethargy, or dehydration, needs further assessment. The other ranges are either lower than the typical baseline or reflect transient states rather than the usual resting rate.