What respiratory pattern is expected in a child with croup?

In a child with croup, the expected respiratory pattern typically includes tachypnea, which is an increased respiratory rate, accompanied by intercostal retractions. Croup, often caused by viral infections leading to inflammation of the upper airway, results in narrowing of the airway and increased work of breathing. This is reflected in the child's respiratory pattern as they struggle to get sufficient air, leading to rapid breathing.

Additionally, intercostal retractions occur as the child uses accessory muscles to aid in the effort of breathing, which is a common compensatory mechanism when there is airway resistance due to swelling. The presence of these signs indicates respiratory distress, which is characteristic of croup.

Other patterns like bradycardia with shallow breathing or a normal respiratory rate with no retractions are not associated with croup, as they do not reflect the typical physiological response to the upper airway obstruction caused by inflammation. Moreover, hyperventilation with abdominal retractions does not accurately represent the symptoms seen in croup, as this condition is more associated with moderate to severe respiratory compromise, which manifests differently.