Which of the following is a sign of respiratory distress?

• A. Chest pain
• B. Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• C. Abdominal tenderness
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that respiratory distress is driven by impaired breathing or inadequate gas exchange, and shortness of breath (dyspnea) is the most direct, defining sign of that condition. When someone is in respiratory distress, they feel they cannot get enough air, which often shows up as a rapid, labored breathing pattern and an increased work of breathing. This symptom points to problems such as airway obstruction, infection, asthma or COPD flare, fluid in the lungs, or other causes of ventilation or oxygenation failure.

Chest pain can occur with many problems, including heart or chest-wall issues, and isn’t specific to breathing trouble. Abdominal tenderness isn’t related to respiratory function, and dizziness can arise from many different systems, not exclusively from breathing problems.