What vital signs change is indicative of respiratory distress?

An elevated heart rate is a significant indicator of respiratory distress. When a patient is experiencing difficulty breathing, their body compensates for decreased oxygen levels and may respond with tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, to enhance blood flow and improve oxygen delivery to tissues. This elevated heart rate can serve as an early warning sign that the patient is struggling to maintain adequate respiratory function.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the typical physiological responses to respiratory distress. Increased blood pressure may occur in certain situations but is not a primary indicator of respiratory distress. A decreased respiratory rate might suggest inadequate ventilation or fatigue, which is also not characteristic of respiratory distress, as patients generally exhibit increased effort or frequency of breaths. Improved oxygen saturation would indicate that the body is maintaining or improving its oxygen levels, which is not consistent with a state of respiratory distress.