What changes might be observed during a physical exam in a child with asthma?

Wheezing during expiration is a hallmark sign associated with asthma and reflects the narrowing of the airways due to inflammation, bronchoconstriction, or mucus production. In asthmatic children, this sound is often more pronounced during exhalation, as the air struggles to exit through constricted passages. The presence of wheezing indicates that the respiratory system is under stress and can lead to further assessment and management of the child's asthma.

Other options, while they may be relevant in different contexts, do not specifically correlate with asthma. Clubbing of the fingers is typically associated with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and is not a characteristic finding in asthma. Bradycardia, or an unusually slow heart rate, is less common in children with asthma unless there is severe respiratory distress, which usually presents with tachycardia instead. Chest pain on palpation may occur for various reasons but is not a primary symptom associated with asthma.