Which of the following sounds indicates an upper airway obstruction in a child who is in respiratory distress?

Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow in the upper airway, typically indicating an obstruction. In children who are experiencing respiratory distress, stridor often arises from conditions like croup or foreign body aspiration, where the airway is narrowed or blocked, leading to this characteristic sound during inhalation.

In contrast to other sounds associated with respiratory conditions, stridor is particularly tied to issues in the upper airway, making it a critical indicator for assessing and prioritizing airway management in a pediatric patient. Rales, rhonchi, and wheezes are associated with other forms of respiratory distress, primarily involving lower airway or lung issues, such as fluid in the alveoli (rales), secretions in the bronchi (rhonchi), or bronchospasm (wheezes). Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate assessment and intervention in a child with respiratory distress.