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

Restlessness is a significant indicator that a toddler may be experiencing respiratory distress. When a child is in respiratory distress, they may struggle to get enough oxygen, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and agitation. This restlessness is often a response to hypoxia (low oxygen levels) or respiratory effort that is becoming increasingly labored, causing the child to appear uneasy or unable to settle down.

In assessing respiratory distress, clinicians look for signs that the body is not getting adequate oxygen. While coughing can be a symptom related to respiratory conditions, it does not necessarily indicate distress on its own. Similarly, heart rate can be impacted by various factors, but a heart rate of 95 beats per minute can fall within a normal range for a toddler, especially given that heart rates can vary widely in this age group. Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, can occur for many reasons, but it is less specific as a sign of respiratory distress than restlessness, which is more directly tied to difficulty breathing or inadequate oxygenation. Therefore, restlessness serves as a clear and concerning sign, prompting further evaluation of the child’s respiratory status.