Which of the following is NOT a common sign of respiratory distress?

The identification of clear respiratory sounds as not being a common sign of respiratory distress highlights an essential aspect of evaluating respiratory function. In cases of respiratory distress, patients often exhibit abnormal respiratory sounds such as wheezing, stridor, or crackles due to narrowed or obstructed airways. These abnormal sounds are indicators of underlying issues such as bronchospasm, fluid in the lungs, or other respiratory pathologies.

In contrast, clear respiratory sounds generally suggest that the airways are unobstructed and that ventilation is likely occurring normally, which is not commonly associated with respiratory distress. Therefore, when assessing a patient, the presence of clear sounds could indicate a stable respiratory state, further supporting the conclusion that it is not a sign of distress compared to other signs such as difficulty speaking, increased heart rate, and cyanosis (evidenced by blue-tinged lips), which are often critical indicators of respiratory compromise.