Which finding indicates the child's condition has improved?

The child's statement, "I can breathe easier now," directly indicates an improvement in their condition. This statement suggests that the child has experienced a noticeable enhancement in their respiratory capability, which is a critical aspect of recovery, particularly if they were previously struggling with breathing.

Improvement in breathing often signifies that underlying issues, such as respiratory distress or obstruction, might be resolving. This can also reflect effective interventions that have been applied to the child’s treatment. The subjective experience of breathing easier is highly valuable in assessing patient progress, especially in pediatric care where communication of symptoms may vary.

In contrast, other options present concerns or symptoms that do not suggest improvement. For example, elevated heart and respiratory rates, as seen in the first option, could indicate ongoing distress rather than recovery. The feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness or the report of stomach pain suggest ongoing issues that could be associated with the child's health condition.