You are assessing a child who is having problems breathing. her mother states that she has been diagnosed with asthma and has recently started using an inhaler. which of the following would indicate early respiratory distress?
a) cyanosis of the nail beds and lipsb) slow heart ratec) respiratory rate of 12d) nasal flaring

Nasal flaring.

Explanation:

Asthma may be defined as the medical condition in which the airways narrow and mucus is produced in large amounts. Shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing are the common symptoms of asthma.

Nasal flaring may be defined as the widening of the nostril while breathing. This indicates the problem breathing and common in the asthma patients. The early respiratory distress in asthma can be indicated by Nasal flaring.  

Thus, the correct answer is option (D).