What is a critical sign of potential heart failure in children?

A critical sign of potential heart failure in children is persistent tachycardia and poor feeding. Tachycardia, or an elevated heart rate, can indicate that the heart is working harder than normal to pump blood, which is a common response to decreased cardiac output often seen in heart failure. Poor feeding can occur because the child may be too fatigued or unable to coordinate sucking and swallowing effectively due to inadequate cardiac function, which is essential for maintaining energy levels and proper nutrition.

In children, heart failure can present differently compared to adults, and the signs may not always be straightforward. Therefore, recognizing these symptoms, such as persistent tachycardia and poor feeding patterns, allows for timely medical intervention and management of potential heart issues. Other options listed would not provide the same immediate indication of potential heart failure, making this choice particularly significant in the context of pediatric assessment.