Which of the following is a sign of respiratory distress?

Rapid, shallow breathing is indicative of respiratory distress because it reflects an increased effort to breathe in response to inadequate gas exchange or oxygenation. When the respiratory system is compromised—due to conditions like asthma, pneumonia, or an obstructed airway—the body often compensates by increasing the respiratory rate while decreasing the depth of breaths. This pattern aims to improve oxygen intake despite reduced lung efficiency.

In contrast, bradycardia, which involves a slower than normal heart rate, is typically not a direct sign of respiratory distress and can indicate other issues, such as heart problems or vasovagal responses. Fever may suggest an underlying infection but does not specifically indicate respiratory distress. Drowsiness can be a result of hypoxia or hypercapnia but is more of a secondary effect rather than an immediate sign of distress. Therefore, rapid, shallow breathing stands out as a clear physiological response to respiratory challenges.