What might be a sign of respiratory distress during an assessment?

Intercostal retractions are a significant clinical sign indicating respiratory distress. This phenomenon occurs when the muscles between the ribs (intercostal muscles) are used to help with breathing when the respiratory system is under strain. When someone is in respiratory distress, they may struggle to take in enough air, leading to the recruitment of accessory muscles, including those found between the ribs. The presence of retractions can indicate that the individual is experiencing increased respiratory effort, which is often due to conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, or acute respiratory distress syndrome.

In contrast, regular breathing rhythm suggests stable and effective ventilation, while stable oxygen saturation indicates that oxygen levels in the blood are within normal range, both of which do not point to respiratory distress. Cyanosis, which refers to a bluish tint in the skin, can also indicate inadequate oxygenation, but intercostal retractions are a more direct and observable sign of the body's effort to overcome breathing difficulties.