Pediatric Respiratory Distress Guidelines: (Ages 0 – 15)

Mild Distress Moderate Distress Severe Distress

LOC Alert Agitated Lethargic
Color Pink Mucosa Pale/mottled Cyanotic
SpO2 >95% 90-94% <90%
Air Entry Effortless Mod. Decreased Marked decreased
Dyspnea On exertion At rest Somnolence
PF 80% predicted 50-80% predicted <50% predicted
BS End exp. Wheezes Insp/ Exp. Wheezes Absent/ diminished
Grunting None Moderate Severe
Flaring Minimal Moderate Severe
Retractions Mild-intercostal Sub or suprasternal Paradoxical
WOB Full sentences, SOB talking, prefers Single words,
SOB walking? sitting upright, agitated SOB @ rest