Child with fever and breathing difficulty

3-year-old girl from HOME, lives with parents and has age-appropriate development, has one day of fever, cough and increased work of breathing. Parent reports reduced fluids but ongoing urine output. No choking or allergy.

Primary survey shows patent airway with increased respiratory effort. Child found sitting on parent’s lap, alert but tired. Pediatric vitals, temperature, SpO₂, work of breathing, hydration and lung sounds documented; colour and interaction reassessed.

Differential considerations: 1) viral lower respiratory illness, 2) pneumonia, 3) bronchospasm. Respiratory distress without current exhaustion or altered LOC.

Child kept with caregiver when possible; oxygen and therapy provided per pediatric guideline. Respiratory effort, oxygenation and behaviour reassessed. Transported to pediatric-capable ED with intake/output and response handed over.