Which of the following is an early sign of respiratory distress in a child?

Restlessness is an early sign of respiratory distress in a child because it indicates that the child is experiencing difficulty breathing or is not getting enough oxygen. When a child shows restlessness, they may be anxious or agitated, often signaling an underlying problem with their respiratory status. The child's body is essentially reacting to inadequate oxygenation or the sensation of breathlessness, prompting them to move or display signs of discomfort as a response.

In contrast, other signs like cyanosis or decreased responsiveness typically occur later in the progression of respiratory distress. Cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin, particularly around the lips or fingertips, suggests significant oxygen deprivation and indicates that the situation has become more severe. Similarly, decreased responsiveness highlights a critical condition where the child's mental status is affected, signaling severe hypoxia or respiratory failure. Rapid breathing, while also a sign of respiratory distress, can occur in various stages and is not as early or specific in indicating distress compared to restlessness.