What does a heart rate of 120 bpm indicate in a rapidly assessed patient?

A heart rate of 120 beats per minute (bpm) is considered tachycardic, which means it is faster than the normal resting heart rate range of 60 to 100 bpm for adults. Tachycardia can be a physiological response to various factors, including stress, anxiety, pain, fever, or underlying medical conditions. In a rapidly assessed patient, such a heart rate may raise concerns about the patient's condition and necessitate further evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

Recognizing tachycardia is important in advanced life support because it can indicate issues such as hypovolemia, infection (sepsis), or other cardiovascular problems that may require immediate intervention. The ability to identify this vital sign helps healthcare providers respond effectively to the patient's changing status and prioritize their care accordingly.