Which of the following are signs of respiratory distress in a recovering surgical patient?

The recognition of respiratory distress in a recovering surgical patient is critical for timely intervention. The use of accessory muscles signifies that the body is struggling to breathe effectively, indicating a possible issue with respiratory function. When a patient is in respiratory distress, they often engage accessory muscles as their primary muscles (the diaphragm and intercostal muscles) may not be sufficient to meet the body’s oxygen needs. This active effort to breathe can manifest itself visibly, showing that the patient is experiencing difficulty and requires immediate assessment and care.

Increased heart rate, pale skin color, and elevated blood pressure can indeed be associated with stress or other conditions, but they are not as definitive indicators of respiratory distress as the use of accessory muscles. These signs can occur for a variety of other reasons and may not directly reflect the respiratory status of the patient. In the context of a recovering surgical patient, where airway management and breathing difficulty are primary concerns, the engagement of accessory muscles is a clear and actionable sign that warrants further evaluation and possible intervention.