What are signs of respiratory distress in a patient under 2 years old?

In assessing a patient under 2 years old for signs of respiratory distress, it is crucial to recognize specific respiratory symptoms that indicate the child is having difficulty breathing. Nasal congestion, cough, and wheezing are classic signs that reflect the presence of a potential obstructive process or irritation of the airways.

Nasal congestion can lead to difficulty in breathing through the nose, causing reliance on mouth breathing, which may not be as effective. A cough is often a protective mechanism to clear irritants from the airway, and wheezing indicates constriction or obstruction in the smaller airways, which can suggest conditions like bronchospasm or respiratory infections such as croup or bronchiolitis. These signs combined are indicative of respiratory distress, suggesting that the patient may need further evaluation and intervention.

Other choices, while presenting symptoms that may be observed in a pediatric patient, do not specifically correlate with the immediate physiological response associated with respiratory distress. Hence, the focus on nasal congestion, cough, and wheezing as indicators of respiratory distress is essential for effective assessment and management of young children experiencing breathing difficulties.