Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

Respiratory distress can be caused by a variety of conditions that affect the respiratory system, and both pneumonia and asthma are prominent examples.

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can become filled with fluid or pus. This leads to difficulty in breathing, reduced oxygen exchange, and ultimately respiratory distress. Symptoms may include a cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing, all of which can significantly impact a child's respiratory status.

Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. During an asthma attack, the obstruction in the airways can severely limit airflow, causing respiratory distress as the body struggles to get enough oxygen.

Both conditions involve mechanisms that directly impact respiratory function, making them capable of causing significant breathing difficulties. Thus, recognizing that both pneumonia and asthma can lead to respiratory distress underscores the need for prompt assessment and intervention in pediatric patients experiencing these conditions.