Which is an early sign of respiratory distress in a 2-month-old?

• A. Bradycardia.
• B. Tachypnea.
• C. Tachycardia.
• D. Shallow breathing.

Answer: (B)

An early sign of respiratory distress in a 2-month-old is tachypnea, or an abnormally fast breathing rate. In infants, a normal rate is roughly 30–60 breaths per minute; when distress begins, the rate increases as the body works harder to oxygenate and remove carbon dioxide. Tachypnea appears before other warning signs like nasal flaring, chest retractions, grunting, or cyanosis, making it a sensitive early clue that the infant needs urgent assessment. While a fast heart rate can accompany distress and shallow, inefficient breathing can occur, the rapid breathing itself best reflects increased work of breathing and is the most reliable prompt for recognizing early respiratory distress. If you observe tachypnea in a young infant, evaluate for signs of increased work of breathing and ensure timely clinical review.