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Pediatric

Signs of Air Hunger (Hypoxia) in Children

  1. Restlessness, which is the earliest sign of air hunger
  2. Anorexia
  3. Nasal flaring
  4. Head bobbing
  5. Retractions, that is, the sinking in of soft tissue of the chest on inspiration. Types:
    • Supraclavicular: Above the clavicles
    • Suprasternal: Above the sternum
    • Intercostal: Between the ribs
    • Subcostal: Under the rib cage
    • Substernal: Under the sternum
  6. Dyspnea, that is, labored breathing
  7. Upright or forward-leaning (tripod) position of the child
  8. Respiratory rate increased for age (see Vital Signs).
  9. Pulse rate increased for age (see Vital Signs).
  10. Cyanosis
  11. SaO2 less than 95%

NOTE: Because the young child’s airway is anatomically smaller than the adult’s, the airway can quickly become obstructed by mucus or inflammation. It is, therefore, essential that the nurse frequently monitor children with respiratory problems, as their conditions can deteriorate rapidly.