A Child Admitted to the Emergency Department with a Diagnosis

A child admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of shock has a cardiac index of 3.5 L/min/m². How should the therapist interpret this value?

A) This cardiac index is associated with an increased risk of mortality.
B) This cardiac index is in the high range of normal, and it is an indication to wean vasopressors and fluids.
C) This cardiac index is within normal limits but still requires close monitoring because it is in the low range of normal.
D) This cardiac index is normal and no action is required.