Which patient is NOT showing signs of respiratory distress?

The selection of the option indicating the 2-month-old baby quietly breathing 40 times a minute as the patient not showing signs of respiratory distress is based on several important considerations.

Firstly, normal respiratory rates vary by age. For infants, a respiratory rate of around 30 to 60 breaths per minute is typically considered normal. Thus, the baby’s rate of 40 breaths per minute falls within the normal range, especially given that the infant is described as breathing quietly. Quiet breathing without signs of labor or distress, such as retractions, nasal flaring, or wheezing, suggests that the baby is not in respiratory distress.

In contrast, the other patients present concerning symptoms. The 2-year-old child is unresponsive with a low respiratory rate, which is concerning and indicates potential respiratory failure. The 12-year-old's elevated breathing rate of 42 breaths per minute coupled with stridor suggests an airway obstruction or upper airway issue. Meanwhile, the 3-year-old child, who is both sleepy and has a very high respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute, may be experiencing an increased work of breathing or a significant level of distress.

Considering these factors, the assessment of the 2-month-old baby shows no signs of respiratory distress