Which of the following is a common symptom of respiratory distress?

Fatigue is a common symptom of respiratory distress because the body must work harder to breathe when airflow is compromised or oxygen levels are low. The increased effort in breathing can lead to a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion since the respiratory muscles are overworked and the rest of the body may not be receiving adequate oxygen. Fatigue in this context serves as a signal of the body’s struggle to maintain adequate oxygenation and metabolic function in the face of respiratory challenges.

In contrast, while excessive sweating can occur in some cases, it is more typically associated with other conditions rather than being a direct indicator of respiratory distress specifically. Elevated blood pressure may not necessarily be a reliable sign of respiratory distress; it can result from various other factors, including anxiety or pain. Increased appetite does not correlate with respiratory distress, as individuals typically experience a decrease in appetite due to the strain of poor respiratory function.