Head bobbing, nasal flaring, and grunting are exhibiting signs of which of the following?

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Head bobbing, nasal flaring, and grunting are common signs of respiratory distress in infants and young children and are compensatory mechanisms to decrease the work of breathing. Head bobbing occurs when the sternocleidomastoids (neck muscles that serve to flex and rotate the head), in an attempt to overcome decreased lung compliance, increased airway resistance, or both, contract during inspiration, pulling the head down and the clavicles and rib cage up (see Figure 4-9 in the textbook). This results in the head bobbing forward in synchrony with each inspiration. Nasal flaring and grunting can be present in the pediatric patient as well. The presence of one or more of these signs typically indicates significant airway obstruction and/or lung disease.

Head Bobbing, Nasal Flaring, and Grunting Are Exhibiting Signs of Which