What is a criterion indicating the need for a Rapid Response Team (RRT) due to airway compromise?

A criterion indicating the need for a Rapid Response Team (RRT) due to airway compromise is a heart rate of less than 40 beats per minute. This significantly low heart rate, known as bradycardia, can be associated with various conditions, including severe respiratory distress or impaired heart function, which could lead to decreased oxygenation of tissues.

In the context of airway compromise, a heart rate below this threshold is concerning as it may indicate that the body is not effectively compensating for a lack of adequate oxygen, potentially leading to a critical situation where intervention is necessary. This could be due to respiratory failure, leading to a decrease in oxygen delivery to the heart and other vital organs, thus warranting the activation of a Rapid Response Team for immediate assessment and intervention.

Other options, such as a respiratory rate between 6 and 30 per minute, may indicate respiratory distress but are not specifically diagnostic for severe compromise necessitating an RRT. A heart rate greater than 80 per minute is within normal limits and not necessarily an indicator of airway compromise. Similarly, a systolic blood pressure above 90 mm Hg typically suggests adequate perfusion and does not reflect immediate airway concerns.