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When assessing a patient with a history of lung disease, which could indicate respiratory distress?

  1. Decreased appetite

  2. Bradypnea

  3. Rapid heart rate

  4. Change in skin color

The correct answer is: Change in skin color

A change in skin color is a crucial indicator of respiratory distress, particularly in the context of lung disease. When a patient is experiencing inadequate oxygenation, one of the most visible signs is cyanosis, which manifests as a bluish tint, particularly around the lips, fingers, or the face. This occurs due to a lack of oxygen in the blood, signaling that the body is not receiving adequate respiratory function or efficient gas exchange. In assessing respiratory distress, practitioners often look for signs that reflect the body's response to hypoxia. While other symptoms such as decreased appetite, bradypnea, and rapid heart rate can sometimes correlate with respiratory issues, they are not as direct or classically recognized as signs of acute distress related to lung function. Decreased appetite can be a sign of many other issues, bradypnea suggests a slower breathing rate that could indicate respiratory depression, and a rapid heart rate might suggest anxiety or pain rather than a direct correlation with respiratory distress. Thus, a change in skin color stands out as a strong, tangible sign of compromised respiratory status.