HESI Pediatric Practice Exam Related

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A 4-month-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother because she has had a cold for 2 or 3 days and woke up this morning with a hacking cough and difficulty breathing. Which additional assessment finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?

  • A. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds.
  • B. Diaphragmatic respiration.
  • C. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute.
  • D. Flaring of the nares.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Flaring of the nares is a classic sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. It indicates increased work of breathing and is a visible cue that the child is struggling to breathe. This finding should alert healthcare providers to the severity of the respiratory distress and the need for prompt intervention to support the child's breathing.