What physical sign would suggest a patient is experiencing respiratory distress?

Cyanosis is a physical sign that indicates a patient is experiencing respiratory distress. It manifests as a bluish coloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds and occurs when there is insufficient oxygenation of the blood. This lack of adequate oxygen delivery often results from respiratory failure, obstruction, or other conditions that impair oxygen exchange in the lungs. Thus, when a patient displays cyanosis, it serves as an important visual cue for healthcare providers regarding the severity of the patient's respiratory condition.

Other options, while they may indicate various physiological responses or conditions, do not specifically signify respiratory distress in the same way. High blood pressure can occur in numerous situations and isn't inherently linked to respiratory issues. Bradycardia, or a slowed heart rate, is also not a direct indicator of respiratory distress and may occur for other reasons, such as certain medication effects or heart conditions. Decreased temperature indicates a different spectrum of clinical issues, often related to conditions like infection or shock rather than direct respiratory problems. Thus, cyanosis is the clear clinical sign pointing towards respiratory distress.