Final answer:
Increased work of breathing and tachypnea in a toddler are indicative of hyperpnea, an adaptive response to increased oxygen demand, and distinct from hyperventilation, which leads to blood gas imbalances. During hyperpnea, accessory muscles aid in forced breathing, accommodating the body's needs under stress or disease conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Increased work of breathing and tachypnea in a toddler may be signs of hyperpnea, which is an increased depth and rate of ventilation. Hyperpnea can occur as a result of the body's need to meet an increased oxygen demand, which may happen during activities such as exercise or in response to a disease affecting the respiratory system. It does not significantly change blood oxygen or carbon dioxide levels but increases the ventilation rate to satisfy cellular requirements. This is different from hyperventilation, which is a ventilation rate that exceeds the body's need for oxygen, leading to low blood carbon dioxide levels.
Forced breathing, which is also termed as hyperpnea, involves active muscle contractions for both inspiration and expiration. Accessory muscles are employed in addition to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, particularly during strenuous activities or actions requiring controlled breathing. This enhanced respiratory effort can dramatically change how the respiratory system operates compared to its steady, rhythmic pace during rest.