Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

What is NOT a sign of respiratory distress?

1. Increased respiratory rate

2. Grunting and stridor

3. Refusing to eat

4. High blood pressure

The correct answer is: High blood pressure

High blood pressure is not a typical sign of respiratory distress. In respiratory distress, clinicians primarily observe changes that affect the rate and effort of breathing and associated behaviors or physical signs that reflect the body's struggle to maintain adequate oxygenation. Increased respiratory rate indicates an attempt to compensate for inadequate oxygen or excess carbon dioxide. Grunting and stridor are specific sounds that can signal obstruction in the airway or lower respiratory issues, which are clear indications that a child is experiencing difficulty breathing. Refusing to eat can also be a sign of distress, as children who have respiratory distress may experience difficulty feeding due to physical discomfort or respiratory fatigue.