Lippincott Respiratory Problems Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Test Prep

Maintaining the child in an undisturbed, upright position is the critical first step when responding to a lethargic child in severe respiratory distress. This position helps facilitate optimal airflow and improves breathing mechanics by allowing better expansion of the lungs. In addition to promoting airflow, an upright position can help reduce the work of breathing and may decrease anxiety for the child, which is crucial in a distressing situation.

Focusing on keeping the environment calm and the child as comfortable as possible is essential in the context of respiratory distress. It is also important to minimize any potential agitation, as stress can exacerbate respiratory issues. While interventions such as starting an intravenous line or drawing blood may be necessary later for treatment or diagnosis, immediate actions that directly address the child's respiratory needs take priority. Inspecting the throat, while useful in certain scenarios, isn't the most immediate or effective intervention for managing severe respiratory distress, especially if the child is lethargic and potentially at risk for airway compromise.