In the Silverman-Anderson Index of Respiratory Distress, which of the following is NOT a graded criterion?

In the context of the Silverman-Anderson Index of Respiratory Distress, graded criteria are specific observable signs that qualify the severity of respiratory distress in infants. These criteria help healthcare professionals assess and manage respiratory conditions more effectively.

Inspiratory wheezing is not a part of the graded criteria in this index. Rather, the graded criteria focus on physical signs such as upper chest synchronization, lower chest retractions, and xiphoid retractions, which pertain to the mechanics of breathing and the presence of respiratory distress. These criteria help clinicians quantify the degree of respiratory distress based on observable characteristics of the infant's breathing pattern.

Upper chest synchronization refers to how well the upper chest moves in sync with the abdomen during breathing, indicating respiratory effort. Lower chest retractions indicate that the lower chest wall is being pulled inwards during inhalation due to respiratory distress. Xiphoid retractions indicate that the xiphoid process is being pulled inward, also a sign of increased work of breathing. These specific observations provide important information on the infant's respiratory status, while inspiratory wheezing, though indicative of airway obstruction, does not fall under the grading system of the Silverman-Anderson Index.