Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam 2026 - Free BLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

The most common cause of cardiac arrest in children is indeed respiratory failure or shock. This is primarily because children are often vulnerable to conditions that can lead to respiratory compromise, such as asthma exacerbations, pneumonia, or other acute respiratory illnesses. When a child experiences significant respiratory distress or failure, the oxygen levels in their blood can drop, leading to hypoxia. Prolonged hypoxia can then progress to cardiac arrest, as the heart relies on sufficient oxygen levels to function properly.

In addition to respiratory failure, shock, particularly from conditions like sepsis or dehydration, can dramatically affect a child's cardiovascular stability, leading to a decrease in blood flow and ultimately cardiac arrest. It's important to recognize that while other factors like heart disease, trauma, and electrocution can contribute to cardiac events, their prevalence in pediatric populations is considerably lower compared to issues related to respiratory problems. Alleviating respiratory distress is therefore a key focus in managing and preventing cardiac arrest in children.