What is a common sign of respiratory distress in patients with chronic lung diseases?

What is a common sign of respiratory distress in patients with chronic lung diseases?

• A. Cool, dry skin
• B. Warm, flushed skin
• C. Normal respiratory rate
• D. Decreased heart rate

Answer: (B)

A common sign of respiratory distress in patients with chronic lung diseases is warm, flushed skin. This symptom may occur as a result of increased work of breathing, leading to increased blood flow to the skin. When patients experience respiratory distress, their body often activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can cause the skin to appear flushed due to high levels of circulating hormones and metabolic byproducts. Additionally, increased respiratory effort can lead to elevated heart rates and blood pressures, both of which contribute to the overall physical response known as respiratory distress. In contrast, other signs like cool, dry skin would not typically indicate respiratory distress and a normal respiratory rate would suggest adequate ventilation, not distress. A decreased heart rate is also not associated with respiratory distress and could indicate other underlying issues. Therefore, warm, flushed skin serves as an important indicator of the physiological changes occurring in a patient experiencing respiratory distress, particularly with chronic lung conditions.

A common sign of respiratory distress in patients with chronic lung diseases is warm, flushed skin. This symptom may occur as a result of increased work of breathing, leading to increased blood flow to the skin. When patients experience respiratory distress, their body often activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can cause the skin to appear flushed due to high levels of circulating hormones and metabolic byproducts.

Additionally, increased respiratory effort can lead to elevated heart rates and blood pressures, both of which contribute to the overall physical response known as respiratory distress. In contrast, other signs like cool, dry skin would not typically indicate respiratory distress and a normal respiratory rate would suggest adequate ventilation, not distress. A decreased heart rate is also not associated with respiratory distress and could indicate other underlying issues. Therefore, warm, flushed skin serves as an important indicator of the physiological changes occurring in a patient experiencing respiratory distress, particularly with chronic lung conditions.