What is a common sign of respiratory distress in a patient?

The use of accessory muscles for breathing is a common sign of respiratory distress in a patient. When a person experiences difficulty breathing or inadequate ventilation, the body recruits additional muscles to assist in the respiratory process. These muscles include the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, and intercostal muscles, which are not typically required during normal, relaxed breathing. The engagement of accessory muscles indicates that the patient is struggling to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation, which is often seen in conditions such as asthma, COPD exacerbations, or pneumonia.

Recognizing this sign is crucial for emergency responders, as it can prompt rapid assessment and intervention to manage the underlying cause of the respiratory distress.