Which of the following are common signs of respiratory distress in children?

The presence of rapid breathing, retractions, nasal flaring, grunting, and cyanosis are indeed common signs of respiratory distress in children. Rapid breathing indicates that the child is trying to get more oxygen, and any increase in the rate may suggest that their body is struggling to meet its oxygen needs.

Retractions refer to the pulling in of the skin between the ribs or over the collarbone during breathing, signaling that the child is working harder to breathe. Nasal flaring occurs when the nostrils widen during inhalation, which is another indication of respiratory effort and distress. Grunting is a sound made by children during exhalation in an attempt to increase airway pressure and improve ventilation. Lastly, cyanosis – a bluish discoloration of the skin, particularly around the lips and fingertips – suggests that the child is not getting enough oxygen, which is a significant concern in respiratory distress.

Other options presented do not align as closely with respiratory distress symptoms. Frequent coughing and sneezing might indicate a respiratory illness but are not definitive symptoms of distress. Low-grade fever and rash typically point to infections or other systemic issues rather than direct signs of respiratory compromise. Excessive sleeping and an increase in appetite could indicate various other conditions unrelated to respiratory function