Signs and symptoms of a lower airway obstruction include:

Wheezing is the correct choice when identifying signs and symptoms of a lower airway obstruction. This high-pitched, musical sound occurs during expiration and is indicative of narrowed airways found lower in the respiratory tract, such as in the bronchi and bronchioles.

In cases of lower airway obstruction, such as asthma or bronchiolitis, the airways become constricted or blocked, leading to wheezing as air passes through these narrowed passages. Identifying wheezing is crucial in assessing the severity of the obstruction and determining the appropriate interventions needed to relieve the airway constriction.

Other symptoms that might be noted, such as stridor, generally indicate upper airway obstructions. Coughing can occur for various reasons and is not specific to lower airway issues. Silence, or a lack of breath sounds, could indicate severe obstruction, but it does not represent the classic symptoms associated with a lower airway constriction like wheezing does. Understanding these distinctions is essential in the assessment and management of pediatric patients experiencing respiratory distress.