Which of the following is a sign of respiratory distress in a patient?

Increased respiratory rate is a significant indicator of respiratory distress in a patient. When the body is unable to adequately exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, it often compensates by increasing the rate of breathing to enhance oxygen intake and promote the removal of carbon dioxide. This physiological response can manifest as rapid or labored breathing, often accompanied by other signs such as increased effort in using accessory muscles and possibly altered mental status.

Other choices reflect conditions that do not typically align with respiratory distress. For instance, decreased heart rate is generally associated with improved oxygenation or issues with electrical conduction in the heart, rather than distress. Clear lung sounds indicate that there are no obstructions, fluid, or other abnormalities present in the airways or lungs, which counters the notion of respiratory distress. Lastly, normal skin color suggests that the patient's oxygenation levels are stable and sufficient, whereas respiratory distress is commonly associated with signs of poor oxygenation, such as cyanosis or pallor.