A 1-year-old child with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is admitted to the pediatric unit. The nurse observes that the child presents with a fever, rhinorrhea, frequent coughing, and sneezing. Which additional finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?

Choice A reason: Flaring of the nares is a sign of acute respiratory distress in children. It indicates that the child is using the accessory muscles of the nose to breathe, which is a sign of increased work of breathing. Flaring of the nares may be accompanied by other signs of respiratory distress, such as retractions, grunting, or cyanosis. The nurse should report this finding to the health care provider and monitor the child's oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and level of consciousness. Choice B reason: Diaphragmatic respirations are not a specific sign of acute respiratory distress in children. They are a normal pattern of breathing in infants and young children, who use their diaphragm more than their chest muscles to breathe. Diaphragmatic respirations may become more pronounced when the child is crying, feeding, or sleeping, but they are not indicative of respiratory distress. Choice C reason: A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/min is not a sign of acute respiratory distress in children. It is within the normal range for a 1-year-old child, who typically has a respiratory rate of 20 to 40 breaths/min. A resting respiratory rate of more than 60 breaths/min may be a sign of respiratory distress in children, especially if it is associated with other symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, or nasal flaring. Choice D reason: Bilateral bronchial breath sounds are not a sign of acute respiratory distress in children. They are normal breath sounds that are heard over the trachea and the large bronchi. They are loud and high-pitched, and have a longer expiratory phase than inspiratory phase. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds do not indicate any lung pathology or obstruction.