Sevoflurane Paediatric Bradycardia — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModeratePaediatric AnaesthesiaSevoflurane Paediatric BradycardiaFRCA Final

5-year-old (20 kg) under sevoflurane develops HR 45. Most likely cause?

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Correct answer: E — Sevoflurane at high concentration causing vagal tone/sinus node depression

Sevoflurane causes bradycardia in children via direct sinus node depression and enhanced vagal tone, especially at high concentrations. HR 45 in 5-year-old is significant — bradycardia is most common pre-arrest rhythm in children. Atropine 20 mcg/kg IV.

Reference: APAGBI – 2023 – Cardiovascular complications in paediatric anaesthesia