What is a common complication that may occur in a child experiencing respiratory distress?

When a child experiences respiratory distress, one common complication that can arise is dehydration. This occurs because respiratory distress typically leads to increased work of breathing, which can elevate oxygen consumption and result in greater insensible fluid losses. As a child struggles to breathe, they might also experience decreased oral intake due to shortness of breath or fatigue, further contributing to dehydration.

Dehydration can exacerbate respiratory issues, as it affects the overall physiological function and can lead to reduced ability of the body to cope with illness. Monitoring hydration status is crucial in managing a child with respiratory distress, as maintaining adequate fluid intake supports effective respiratory function and overall health.

While the other options like ectopy, irritability, and sepsis may also be relevant in different contexts, dehydration stands out as a direct complication associated with the increased demand during respiratory distress episodes.