Which of the following would be a sign of respiratory distress in a patient?

Increased work of breathing is a clear indication of respiratory distress in a patient. This can manifest in several ways, such as using accessory muscles for breathing, nasal flaring, grunting, or retractions. When a patient is experiencing respiratory distress, their body requires more effort to obtain adequate oxygen, which can also lead to signs like rapid or shallow breathing. Recognizing increased work of breathing is crucial for timely intervention, as it allows healthcare providers to assess the severity of the patient’s condition and respond appropriately with treatments or further evaluation.

On the other hand, signs such as a calm demeanor and relaxed posture suggest that the patient is not experiencing stress or difficulty in breathing. Steady oxygen saturation levels indicate that the patient’s oxygenation is stable and sufficient, while a normal heart rate suggests that there is no significant distress affecting the cardiovascular system. Therefore, these factors would not be indicative of respiratory distress in a patient.