What should be monitored during respiratory distress?

Monitoring work of breathing and oxygen saturation during respiratory distress is crucial as these indicators provide immediate insights into the patient's respiratory status. Work of breathing reflects how hard the patient is working to breathe and can indicate fatigue or respiratory failure if it becomes excessive. Observing changes in respiratory rate, effort, use of accessory muscles, or any signs of stridor can help assess the severity of the distress.

Oxygen saturation, typically measured with a pulse oximeter, reveals how well oxygen is being transported in the blood. Low levels of oxygen saturation can signal inadequate oxygenation, necessitating urgent intervention to prevent further complications. Together, these parameters offer a comprehensive view of the patient's respiratory function and help guide appropriate medical responses.