What vital sign indicates Nevaeh may be experiencing respiratory distress?

A respiratory rate of 27 is a significant indicator that Nevaeh may be experiencing respiratory distress. In a resting adult, a normal respiratory rate typically ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. When the respiratory rate exceeds this normal range, it can be a sign that the body is struggling to obtain adequate oxygen or expel carbon dioxide, which often occurs during respiratory distress.

An increased respiratory rate can indicate various conditions, including airway obstruction, anxiety, or other pulmonary issues that may lead to inadequate gas exchange. In Nevaeh's case, a respiratory rate of 27 suggests she is hyperventilating, which is a common response to respiratory distress as the body attempts to compensate for decreased oxygen levels or increased carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream.

While the other vital signs may be relevant to her overall health status, they do not specifically indicate respiratory distress as clearly as the elevated respiratory rate. For instance, a pulse of 110 could be a response to anxiety or physical activity rather than respiratory issues, blood pressure of 162/98 may indicate hypertension but isn't specific to respiratory distress, and an oxygen saturation of 95%—although slightly low—does not necessarily denote immediate respiratory distress on its own, especially in the context of other