What is a typical sign of respiratory distress in a newborn?

Nasal flaring is a typical sign of respiratory distress in a newborn because it indicates that the infant is making an effort to increase air intake. This occurs as a response to hypoxia, where the body attempts to enhance oxygen exchange by widening the nostrils during breathing. When an infant is in respiratory distress, additional muscle usage is often required to overcome airway resistance, and nasal flaring becomes pronounced as they struggle to maintain adequate oxygenation.

In contrast, other signs such as bradycardia may occur in response to a variety of conditions, not exclusively related to respiratory distress. Persistent crying may be associated with various discomforts or needs, while excessive sleeping could indicate lethargy due to a severe underlying issue but is not characteristic of respiratory distress specifically. Overall, nasal flaring is a non-verbal cue that clearly highlights a newborn's effort to breathe more effectively in the face of respiratory challenges.