A 7-year-old presents with rapid breathing, oxygen saturation of 91% on room air, nasal flaring, and subcostal retractions, but responds normally to her name and maintains her airway independently. Blood pressure is 98/62 mmHg. This clinical picture BEST represents:
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ACompensated shock with secondary respiratory compromise
BRespiratory distress
CRespiratory failure
DDecompensated shock
✓ Correct answer: B. Respiratory distressRespiratory distress is characterized by increased work of breathing (flaring, retractions), mild hypoxia, and preserved mental status and airway control; respiratory failure requires signs of inadequate gas exchange such as markedly altered mentation, apnea, or severe hypoxia that exceeds the child's compensatory effort.
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