What vital sign indicates the 73-year-old client may be in respiratory distress?

The vital sign indicating that the 73-year-old client may be in respiratory distress is a respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute. Normal respiratory rates typically range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute for adults. A respiratory rate that exceeds this range, particularly at 26 breaths per minute, suggests that the client is experiencing increased effort to breathe, potentially indicating a state of respiratory distress.

Elevated respiratory rates can occur due to various factors, including the body's response to low oxygen levels, inadequate ventilation, or underlying respiratory conditions. This increased rate may be a compensatory mechanism as the body tries to maintain adequate oxygenation.

While other vital signs provided may reveal important information about the patient's overall health status, a raised respiratory rate is a direct indicator related to respiratory function and distress specifically. It is crucial to monitor this vital sign closely in an emergency setting, as it directly affects oxygen delivery to tissues and may require immediate intervention.