Final answer:
When assessing the work of breathing in a pediatric patient, one should observe the respiratory rate, look for signs of difficulty in breathing, use a stethoscope to detect any abnormal sounds in the lungs, and employ devices like a pulse oximeter to check oxygen saturation levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing the work of breathing in a pediatric patient, it's crucial to note the respiratory rate since it plays a significant role in determining the efficiency of alveolar ventilation and hence, the respiratory health of a child. The normal respiratory rate decreases with age: from 30 to 60 breaths per minute in infants under 1 year to 12 to 18 breaths per minute by adolescence.
Clinical assessments typically involve observing respiratory effort, use of accessory muscles, presence of any abnormal sounds such as crackling during auscultation, and checking for signs of hypoxemia with devices like a pulse oximeter. Additionally, other diagnostic tools such as a chest radiograph and sputum sample analysis might be employed in cases where there is suspicion of an underlying condition like pneumonia.