How does a child's cardiac output compare to that of an adult?

In children, cardiac output is generally higher relative to their body size when compared to adults. This is primarily due to a higher heart rate in children, as their stroke volume is not as developed as in adults. Children compensate for their smaller heart size and less efficient cardiac functioning by having an increased heart rate and a relatively greater cardiac output.

Cardiac output can be influenced by several factors, including age and body surface area. A child's heart is capable of achieving significant output to meet their metabolic demands, especially during times of stress, illness, or physical activity.

As a result, in the context of this question, the comparison indicates that a child's cardiac output can be approximately two times that of an adult, particularly when adjusted for body size or weight, which reflects their physiological needs at various stages of development. This highlights the importance of understanding pediatric physiology in emergency settings, where rapid assessment and intervention might be required.