Which physiological differences are commonly seen in pediatric patients compared to adults?

In pediatric patients, a number of physiological differences compared to adults can be observed, making option D the most accurate choice. Firstly, children do indeed have smaller airways and proportionally larger skulls; this anatomical variation influences how airway obstruction can occur more easily and the implications for intubation and ventilation strategies.

Additionally, pediatric patients typically present with faster respiratory rates due to their higher metabolic demands, and a different normal range of blood pressure owing to their smaller body size and varying physiological responses; thus, their blood pressure tends to be lower relative to their adult counterparts.

Moreover, children have a higher skin to body weight ratio, which makes them more susceptible to heat loss and influences fluid and medication dosing. Their bones are also softer and more pliable than adult bones, which affects how fractures occur and heal.

Understanding these differences is crucial in the context of emergency medical services, where pediatric patients often require unique considerations in assessment, treatment, and transport. This comprehensive overview illustrates why option D encapsulates the essential physiological distinctions in pediatric patients.