Which of the following is a common sign of respiratory distress in children?

Nasal flaring is indeed a common sign of respiratory distress in children. This physiological response occurs as the child attempts to increase airflow through the nasal passages when they experience difficulty breathing. It reflects the body’s effort to enhance oxygen intake, often observed during episodes of asthma, pneumonia, or other respiratory illnesses.

When children are in respiratory distress, their bodies will exhibit various signs to indicate the struggle to breathe effectively. Nasal flaring is one of the early and visible manifestations of increased work of breathing. It can often be accompanied by other signs such as retractions, grunting, or wheezing, all of which indicate that the child is having to exert more effort to achieve adequate ventilation.

In contrast, decreased respiratory rate, bradycardia, and increased appetite do not typically indicate respiratory distress. A decreased respiratory rate may suggest that the child is not breathing adequately, potentially leading to inadequate oxygenation but does not signify respiratory distress on its own. Bradycardia can occur with severe respiratory distress but is more often a sign of impending respiratory failure rather than a common initial sign. Increased appetite is not associated with respiratory distress; instead, it is more indicative of a child who is feeling well.