Final answer:
The most characteristic finding in an asthmatic child during a focused respiratory assessment would be bilateral wheezes, indicating airflow restriction through inflamed and narrowed airways.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a respiratory assessment of a child with asthma, a nurse would most likely find bilateral wheezes as the assessment finding most closely associated with the characteristic signs and symptoms of asthma. Asthma is known for symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. Bilateral wheezes are the common sounds heard when air moves through narrowed airways, which is typical in an asthma attack. This occurs during periods of constriction and inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
Other asthma-related symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include difficulty in breathing that results in cyanotic lips or face, confusion, drowsiness, rapid pulse, sweating, and severe anxiety. During an asthma attack, as illustrated in Figure 16.4.2, the airways can narrow and may become clogged with mucus, which greatly impedes breathing.