Pediatric ATI Practice Exam 2025 - Free Pediatric Practice Questions and Study Guide.

A common sign of respiratory distress in children is apnea, which refers to a pause in breathing. In the context of respiratory issues, apnea can indicate that a child is struggling to breathe adequately, which is a critical condition that requires prompt attention. Directly related to respiratory distress, apnea occurs when the body's respiratory drive is impaired, potentially leading to decreased oxygen levels and increased carbon dioxide levels.

Other signs of respiratory distress include tachypnea (rapid breathing), use of accessory muscles, retractions, and nasal flaring. Recognizing apnea as a sign of respiratory distress allows for timely intervention, as it may signal serious underlying conditions such as severe asthma, airway obstruction, or neurological issues affecting breathing. The importance of monitoring for apnea emphasizes the need for vigilant observation in pediatric patients, since respiratory compromise can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation.