What heart rate change in a baby might necessitate the administration of IV fluids?

A decreasing heart rate in a baby can be a critical change that indicates a lack of adequate perfusion and may signal impending cardiovascular compromise. In neonates and infants, the normal heart rate typically ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute, and a significant drop below this range could be alarming.

When the heart rate begins to decrease, it often suggests that the baby may be experiencing poor blood flow or hypovolemia, which can result from conditions such as dehydration, blood loss, or sepsis. Administering IV fluids can help to restore blood volume and improve circulation, thereby stabilizing the heart rate and ensuring that vital organs receive adequate blood supply.

In contrast, a rapid heart rate may indicate compensatory mechanisms to maintain adequate blood flow, while a stable or increasing heart rate might suggest that the baby is maintaining proper cardiovascular function. Therefore, the presence of a decreasing heart rate directly points to a potential crisis that requires intervention, making it the correct answer in this scenario.