What is a key indicator of respiratory distress in a triage patient?

An elevated respiratory rate greater than 30 breaths per minute is a significant indicator of respiratory distress. In clinical settings, a normal respiratory rate typically ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute in adults. When a patient's respiratory rate exceeds 30, it suggests that the body is attempting to compensate for inadequate oxygenation or increased effort to breathe, which may occur in conditions such as asthma exacerbations, pneumonia, or severe anxiety.

High respiratory rates, especially in the context of other findings such as labored breathing or decreased oxygen saturation, indicate that immediate evaluation and intervention may be needed. This symptom serves as a clear and quantifiable measure that can help healthcare providers assess the severity of a patient's condition in emergency situations.

The other options may reflect concerning conditions but do not specifically indicate respiratory distress as clearly as the elevated respiratory rate does. For instance, low blood pressure typically indicates circulatory issues rather than directly measuring respiratory function, while SpO2 levels above 95% would actually suggest adequate oxygenation rather than distress. Audible wheezing may indicate airway obstruction or reactive airway disease but is not as definitive a marker of respiratory distress compared to tachypnea.