ATI Pediatrics Proctored Test Related

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Which of the following clinical signs would MOST suggest acute respiratory distress in a 2-month-old infant?

  • A. Heart rate of 130 beats/min
  • B. Respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min
  • C. Abdominal breathing
  • D. Grunting respirations
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Grunting respirations are a key clinical sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. Grunting is a protective mechanism where the infant exhales against a partially closed glottis to increase functional residual capacity and oxygenation. This is often seen in conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, or other causes of respiratory compromise in infants. Monitoring respiratory patterns like grunting is crucial for early recognition and intervention in infants with respiratory distress. Choices A, B, and C are less specific to acute respiratory distress in infants. While an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate can be present in respiratory distress, grunting respirations are a more direct indicator of significant respiratory compromise in infants.