Which of the following is NOT a sign of respiratory distress in pediatric patients?

Apnea is not considered a sign of respiratory distress; rather, it indicates a cessation of breathing. In pediatric patients, respiratory distress is characterized by an increased effort to breathe or difficulties in breathing, which can manifest through various observable signs.

Tachypnea refers to an increased respiratory rate and is a common response to conditions that require more oxygen. Accessory muscle use indicates that a child is using additional muscles to breathe, which suggests increased work of breathing and respiratory distress. Nasal flaring is also a classic sign of respiratory distress as it shows that the child is struggling to breathe, trying to take in more air.

In contrast, apnea suggests a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where there is a complete stop of breathing, often requiring immediate medical intervention rather than simply indicating distress. This makes apnea distinctly different from the other signs listed, which are all indicative of the body working hard to maintain adequate ventilation.