Which of the following is NOT a sign of respiratory distress?

• A. Nasal flaring
• B. Tripod positioning
• C. Headache
• D. Retractions

Answer: (C)

Respiratory distress shows up as increased work of breathing and the body’s attempt to compensate for inadequate ventilation. Nasal flaring is a classic sign, especially in kids, indicating they’re pulling air through narrowed or blocked airways. Retractions reveal the chest wall pulling inward with each breath, a sign that the lungs are working hard to move air. Tripod positioning is an adult-style cue, where leaning forward and bracing the arms uses accessory muscles to widen the airway and ease breathing. Headache, on the other hand, isn’t a direct sign of breathing difficulty. It’s a symptom with many possible causes and doesn’t reflect the mechanical effort of breathing or airway compromise, so it isn’t a reliable indicator of respiratory distress in the field.