Which vital sign would indicate poor perfusion in a patient?

Prepare for the ACLS Resuscitation Quality Improvement Test. Study with detailed flashcards and multiple choice questions, each supported with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

A heart rate of 30 beats per minute is indicative of bradycardia, which can be a sign of poor perfusion. When the heart rate drops significantly below the normal range, it can lead to inadequate circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs. In this scenario, such a low heart rate may compromise cardiac output, especially if the patient is experiencing other signs of shock or decreased blood flow.

In contrast, a blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is within the normal range and suggests adequate perfusion in most individuals. A respiration rate of 10 breaths per minute is considered low and may point to respiratory distress, but it does not directly indicate perfusion status. Lastly, an SpO2 level of 95% is also within acceptable limits, suggesting that oxygenation is adequate, which further emphasizes that this parameter alone would not indicate poor perfusion.

Thus, the presence of bradycardia at 30 bpm strongly suggests that the patient may not be effectively perfusing their organs, leading to potential complications if not addressed promptly.

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