When assessing a patient with respiratory distress, which sign would most likely indicate an airway obstruction?

The presence of stridor is most likely to indicate an airway obstruction during the assessment of a patient with respiratory distress. Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound that typically arises from turbulent airflow due to a narrowing or blockage of the upper airways, such as in cases of laryngotracheobronchitis (croup), epiglottitis, or an obstructive foreign body. It is commonly noted when a patient inhales, indicating that the air is struggling to pass through an obstructed or inflamed area in the airway.

In contrast, signs like bradycardia, hypotension, and diaphoresis may present in varying respiratory conditions or serious medical issues but do not specifically point to an airway obstruction. Bradycardia can arise from various causes, including vagal stimulation or cardiac issues. Hypotension may indicate shock, and diaphoresis can be associated with anxiety, pain, or other systemic issues, but these signs are not exclusive indicators of a problem with the airway itself. Thus, stridor remains the definitive sign to evaluate when suspecting an obstruction in the airway.