Is a heart rate greater than 100 bpm considered normal for a child?

• A. False
• B. Only during exercise
• C. True
• D. Only during sleep

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that normal resting heart rate in children varies with age and is generally higher than in adults. In infants and very young children, resting heart rates commonly exceed 100 beats per minute. For example, infants often run around 100–160 bpm at rest, toddlers can be about 90–150 bpm, and even older children may have resting rates approaching or occasionally exceeding 100 bpm depending on activity or emotional state. Because tachycardia is defined relative to age, an HR over 100 can be normal for younger children, while in older children it would be considered fast.

So yes, a heart rate greater than 100 bpm can be normal for a child, especially in the younger age groups or in the presence of factors like anxiety, fever, pain, dehydration, or temporary stress. Always interpret HR in the context of age and clinical situation.