What characterizes respiratory stress?

Respiratory stress is characterized by a physiological condition where the body struggles to maintain adequate gas exchange in the lungs. This often leads to decreased oxygen saturation in the blood and/or elevated levels of carbon dioxide. When the lungs are unable to perform efficiently, either due to obstruction, restrictive diseases, or other factors, individuals may experience hypoxia (a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching tissues) and hypercapnia (an excess of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream).

Option B accurately reflects this concept by highlighting that respiratory stress is indicated by decreased oxygen or increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This condition is critical to recognize in healthcare settings as it may require immediate intervention to support breathing and restore normal gas exchange.

In contrast, increased oxygen concentration in the blood does not indicate respiratory stress; rather, it signals effective respiration and oxygenation. Improved breathing patterns would also suggest efficient respiratory function, thus ruling out respiratory stress. Finally, focusing solely on decreased carbon dioxide levels overlooks the potential compensatory mechanisms in place, as respiratory stress typically involves inefficient gas exchange rather than isolated changes in only one gas component.