What is the normal heart rate range for an infant?

The normal heart rate range for an infant is indeed 110 to 160 beats per minute (BPM). Infants have higher metabolic demands compared to older children and adults, which necessitates a faster heart rate to ensure that adequate oxygen and nutrients are delivered throughout their developing bodies. This range is crucial for monitoring the cardiovascular health of infants, as deviations can indicate underlying health issues.

Other heart rate ranges provided in the choices either fall below or above the accepted norms. A range of 90 to 130 BPM is generally too low for infants and may suggest bradycardia, which is concerning. A range of 130 to 170 BPM slightly exceeds the upper limit of normal but overlaps with the acceptable rate, though it’s important to monitor the individual characteristics of each infant. Lastly, a range of 150 to 200 BPM is excessively high and could indicate tachycardia, which also requires further evaluation. Thus, the defined range of 110 to 160 BPM captures the typical physiological state for a resting infant.