What is a sign of respiratory distress in a patient?

Rapid, shallow breathing is indeed a hallmark sign of respiratory distress. When a patient experiences difficulty in breathing or inadequate ventilation, their body responds by increasing the respiratory rate to compensate for the perceived lack of oxygen. This often leads to shallow breaths instead of deep, effective inhalations. In respiratory distress, the body's attempt to maintain oxygen levels results in this altered breathing pattern.

In contrast, the ability to speak in full sentences typically indicates that the patient is not in significant distress, as they are able to manage their air exchange effectively. A pulse oximetry reading of 98% reflects adequate oxygen saturation levels, suggesting the patient is not in distress. Similarly, normal skin color usually points to sufficient perfusion and oxygenation, which would not be present in a patient experiencing significant respiratory distress, where signs like cyanosis might be expected. Thus, the rapid, shallow breathing stands out as a clear indicator of problems requiring immediate attention.