Final answer:
The classic sign of respiratory distress in infants is C. Grunting, which helps maintain airway pressure. Coughing, sneezing, and laughing are not specific to respiratory distress in this age group. Respiratory distress is common in premature infants due to insufficient pulmonary surfactant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classic Symptoms of Respiratory Distress in Infants
Classic signs and symptoms of respiratory distress in infants include shortness of breath, wheezes or stridor, hoarseness, pain with swallowing, and cough. When it comes to the specific options provided in the question, C. Grunting is the correct answer. Grunting is often seen in infants who are struggling to breathe because it helps to maintain airway pressure and keeps the airways open. In contrast, coughing, sneezing, and laughing are not specific indicators of respiratory distress in infants. Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is especially prevalent in infants born prematurely, as their lungs may not have produced enough pulmonary surfactant to properly inflate at birth, leading to RDS, characterized by difficulty in inflating the lungs and compromised gas exchange, resulting in dyspnea.