What should a nurse monitor for in a client with respiratory distress?

Monitoring the respiration rate in a client with respiratory distress is crucial because it provides direct insight into the patient's respiratory function and adequacy of oxygenation. An increased or decreased respiration rate can signify underlying complications, such as hypoxia or hypercapnia, which may need immediate intervention. Effective respiratory management often requires assessing the respiratory rate to determine the severity of the distress and to guide treatment decisions, including the need for supplemental oxygen or advanced airway management.

While it's important to monitor other aspects of a patient's condition, such as lactate levels, vascular pressure, and electrolyte balance, these are not as central to assessing respiratory distress. Lactate levels are more indicative of tissue perfusion and metabolic status, vascular pressure relates to cardiovascular function, and electrolyte balance is vital for overall health but doesn't directly assess respiratory function. Therefore, focusing on the respiration rate allows for timely and relevant interventions in patients experiencing respiratory distress.