What condition is characterized by a rapid increase in respiratory rate and heart rate?

The condition characterized by a rapid increase in respiratory rate and heart rate is hyperventilation. Hyperventilation often occurs in response to anxiety, stress, or various medical conditions, leading to excessive breathing that results in decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This causes a series of physiological changes, including an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) as the body tries to compensate for the reduced carbon dioxide levels.

In contrast, while pneumothorax and shock can also lead to changes in respiratory rate and heart rate, they have specific underlying causes and may involve additional symptoms, such as chest pain and altered mental status. Sinus tachycardia, on the other hand, refers specifically to an increased heart rate, which may not always be accompanied by changes in respiratory rate. Hyperventilation distinctly involves both a notable increase in breathing frequency and heart rate, making it the best answer in this context.