Which assessment finding indicates that a toddler may be in respiratory distress?

The assessment finding that indicates a toddler may be in respiratory distress is restlessness. In young children, particularly toddlers, behavioral changes such as restlessness often indicate underlying issues, including respiratory challenges. When a toddler experiences difficulty breathing or reduced oxygenation, they may exhibit increased agitation or inability to settle down, showing signs of distress.

In respiratory distress, the body is struggling to get adequate oxygen, which can lead to increased anxiety and restlessness. This is particularly significant in toddlers, who may not articulate their discomfort verbally but will express it through behavior.

While a heart rate of 95 beats per minute is typically within normal range for a toddler and might not be indicative of distress, other symptoms like coughing or diaphoresis can occur in various situations and are less specific. Coughing can be a response to irritation or infection, and diaphoresis can occur due to a variety of factors including fever or anxiety. However, these findings alone do not signal that respiratory distress is necessarily present.

Restlessness is a more direct reflection of the child’s difficulty in breathing, making it a key indicator for assessing respiratory distress in a toddler.