What is a common sign of respiratory distress?

The use of accessory muscles is a common sign of respiratory distress because it indicates that the body is struggling to breathe effectively. When an individual is experiencing difficulty with their respiratory function, the primary muscles involved in breathing, primarily the diaphragm, may not be sufficient to meet the oxygen demands of the body. As a result, secondary muscles such as those in the neck (sternocleidomastoid), chest (pectoralis major), and abdomen become engaged to assist with breathing. This effort is typically observed through noticeable movements in the shoulders and neck as the person attempts to take deeper or more frequent breaths.

In contrast, while bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and elevated blood glucose may be relevant medical findings in various contexts, they are not specifically indicative of respiratory distress. Their presence might reflect other underlying issues that may or may not be associated with respiratory problems, but they do not provide the same immediate visual cue that accessory muscle use does in response to inadequate ventilation or oxygenation.