What vital signs indicated that Bridgett Allen, a 6-year-old girl with Down syndrome, has a concerning respiratory status?

In assessing the respiratory status of a patient, especially a child with Down syndrome, it's essential to evaluate multiple vital signs, as each can indicate different aspects of respiratory health.

A heart rate of 138 beats per minute can be considered elevated for a resting child, but it is not solely indicative of respiratory distress. Children can have variations in their heart rate based on several factors, including activity level, anxiety, or overall health status.

Oxygen saturation is a critical measure of respiratory function. A reading of 91% indicates that the blood oxygen level is below the normal range of 95% to 100%. This lower oxygen saturation suggests a potential issue with the lungs’ ability to oxygenate the blood adequately, signaling compromised respiratory function.

A breathing rate of 30 breaths per minute may be elevated compared to normal ranges for a child of this age, which can be between 20 to 25 breaths per minute at rest. An increased rate of breathing may indicate that the child is working harder to breathe, which can suggest respiratory difficulty or distress.

Given the importance of oxygen saturation and breathing rate as indicators of respiratory function, all of these vital signs taken together indicate concerning respiratory status in Bridgett Allen. The combination of an oxygen saturation of 91