Which of the following is a sign of respiratory distress?

Increased respiratory rate is indeed a sign of respiratory distress. When a person is experiencing respiratory distress, their body often compensates for inadequate oxygenation or the inability to rid carbon dioxide effectively by increasing the rate of breathing. This response is a physiological attempt to enhance gas exchange, which can help maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood.

In contrast, a calm appearance, normal skin color, and an even breathing pattern indicate stability and proper respiratory function. When someone is in respiratory distress, they typically exhibit signs such as anxiety, altered mental status, abnormal respiratory patterns, or changes in skin color, which may range from cyanosis to pallor or flushing, depending on the underlying issue. Thus, the increased respiratory rate represents a clear and definitive sign of distress, making it the correct choice.