The nurse is performing a newborn assessment. Which symptom, if present in a newborn, would indicate respiratory distress?

Choice A reason: Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement is normal in newborns because their diaphragm is the primary muscle used for respiration. This pattern is expected and does not indicate distress. Choice B reason: Shallow and irregular respirations can occur in newborns due to immature respiratory control, but occasional irregularity is common and not necessarily a sign of distress unless accompanied by other abnormal findings such as apnea or cyanosis. Choice C reason: Flaring of the nares is a classic sign of respiratory distress in newborns. It indicates increased effort to inhale and suggests airway obstruction or inadequate oxygenation. Nasal flaring is often accompanied by other signs such as grunting or retractions, making it a key indicator of compromised respiratory status. Choice D reason: A respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute is within the normal range for newborns (30–60 breaths per minute). Therefore, this finding is not considered abnormal or indicative of distress.