🌬️ PALS: Recognizing Respiratory Distress vs. Respiratory Failure — High-Yield Study Guide

⚠️ Respiratory problems are the #1 cause of pediatric cardiac arrest. Early recognition = survival.

1️⃣ Respiratory Distress — The Compensation Phase

The child is still maintaining oxygenation + ventilation by working harder.

🔥 Key Signs (“WORK OF BREATHING ↑”)

• Tachypnea (earliest sign)
• Nasal flaring 👃
• Retractions (intercostal, suprasternal, subcostal)
• Head bobbing 🧠↕️ (infants)
• Grunting (auto-PEEP to keep alveoli open)
• Wheezing or stridor (depends on upper vs. lower airway)
• Anxious, irritable