In cases of respiratory distress, what is a vital sign that should be monitored closely?

Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial in cases of respiratory distress because it provides direct insight into the effectiveness of gas exchange in the lungs. Oxygen saturation levels indicate how well the hemoglobin in the blood is carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. In a respiratory distress situation, the body's ability to oxygenate the blood can be compromised due to various issues such as obstruction, restrictive lung diseases, or other forms of respiratory failure.

Maintaining adequate oxygenation is vital for organ function, and monitoring the oxygen saturation can help identify when a patient may need supplemental oxygen or interventions such as assisted ventilation. If oxygen saturation levels drop below a certain threshold, it signals the need for immediate action to ensure the patient's safety and support their breathing.

While blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature are also important vital signs, they do not directly reflect the patient's respiratory status or the adequacy of oxygenation as clearly as oxygen saturation readings do in the context of respiratory distress. Thus, oxygen saturation is the most critical vital sign to monitor in these scenarios.