What clinical signs are evaluated during triage for respiratory distress?

During triage for respiratory distress, the evaluation of respiratory rate and the ability to speak provides critical information regarding the patient's respiratory function and overall condition. Respiratory rate is a vital sign that indicates how well a person is breathing. An increased or decreased respiratory rate can signal different forms of respiratory distress or compromise.

The ability to speak is equally important; a patient's ability to form complete sentences without struggling for breath can indicate the severity of their breathing difficulty. If a patient is unable to speak in full sentences due to shortness of breath, this suggests significant respiratory distress, potentially requiring immediate intervention.

In contrast, while skin temperature and heart rate, nausea and vomiting, and blood pressure and pulse may be relevant in various clinical assessments, they do not directly address the specific signs of respiratory distress. Thus, the focus on respiratory rate and ability to speak is essential in accurately assessing a patient's respiratory status during triage.