How is respiratory distress characterized?

Respiratory distress is a significant condition that indicates the body is struggling to meet its oxygen demands. It is characterized primarily by changes in respiratory rate and depth. When someone is experiencing respiratory distress, their body may respond by increasing both the rate of breathing (tachypnea) and the depth of each breath (hyperpnea) in an attempt to enhance oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination. This compensatory mechanism allows the body to deal with a perceived lack of adequate oxygenation.

The other options do not effectively characterize respiratory distress. Breathing at a normal rate would indicate a state of stability rather than distress. Skin color improvement suggests a resolution of hypoxia, which would be contrary to the notion of distress. Lastly, normal oxygen saturation levels imply adequate oxygenation, thus ruling out the presence of distress. In contrast, when an individual is in respiratory distress, it is common to see altered respiratory patterns as the body attempts to cope with inadequate oxygen.