Which of the following is a sign of respiratory distress?

Prepare for the Platinum Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMTP) 3.3 Test. Engage with interactive questions and detailed explanations. Ace your EMT-P certification!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a sign of respiratory distress?

Nasal flaring is a sign that the patient is working harder to breathe. When airways are narrowed or the body is fatigued, the nostrils flare open to draw in more air and reduce resistance, which is a common compensatory effort in respiratory distress, especially in children. Pink, well-oxygenated skin and quiet, effortless breathing suggest that oxygenation and work of breathing are comfortable, not distressed, while no retractions would also indicate normal breathing. Retractions aren’t listed as an option here, but they would similarly signal increased work of breathing.

Nasal flaring is a sign that the patient is working harder to breathe. When airways are narrowed or the body is fatigued, the nostrils flare open to draw in more air and reduce resistance, which is a common compensatory effort in respiratory distress, especially in children. Pink, well-oxygenated skin and quiet, effortless breathing suggest that oxygenation and work of breathing are comfortable, not distressed, while no retractions would also indicate normal breathing. Retractions aren’t listed as an option here, but they would similarly signal increased work of breathing.

More practice questions