Which of the following can be a side effect of respiratory stress?

The chosen answer is accurate because short quick breaths, also known as tachypnea, are a common physiological response to respiratory stress. When the body experiences respiratory challenges, whether due to an underlying health condition, physical exertion, or environmental factors, it often compensates by increasing the respiratory rate to enhance oxygen intake and remove carbon dioxide more effectively.

In situations of respiratory distress, individuals may exhibit rapid and shallow breathing as a way to cope with the decreased efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs. This reaction can signal that the body is trying to maintain adequate oxygen levels despite the stressor.

Other options do not align as closely with the physiological responses seen during respiratory stress. For instance, increased fatigue often arises as a consequence of respiratory issues, but it does not directly describe a change in breathing patterns. Similarly, while a decreased respiratory rate can occur in certain conditions, it typically indicates a response to a different type of problem or is a result of extreme exhaustion rather than a direct effect of respiratory stress. Improved appetite is generally not associated with respiratory stress, as the body tends to prioritize energy for respiratory function over digestion when in distress.