What is the appropriate intervention for a child exhibiting signs of increased work of breathing?

Providing supplemental oxygen is an appropriate intervention for a child exhibiting signs of increased work of breathing because it directly addresses potential hypoxemia—low levels of oxygen in the blood—commonly associated with respiratory distress. When a child shows signs of increased work of breathing, this may indicate difficulty in adequately oxygenating the blood due to various conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, or other respiratory illnesses. Supplemental oxygen helps to ensure that the child receives the necessary oxygen needed for effective cellular metabolism and function, thereby alleviating some of the respiratory distress and work required to breathe.

In contrast, administering a cough suppressant may actually hinder the child's ability to clear secretions and could worsen the condition if the child needs to cough to clear airways. Encouraging deep breathing exercises, while beneficial in some contexts, might not be practical or effective in acute situations where the child is struggling to breathe comfortably. Applying a warm compress to the chest does not address the underlying issue of oxygenation and may not provide any substantial benefit in managing respiratory distress.