What vital sign would a nurse most likely check initially for a patient suspected of respiratory distress?

For a patient suspected of respiratory distress, the respiratory rate is the vital sign that a nurse would most likely check initially because it provides immediate information about the patient's respiratory function. Assessing the respiratory rate helps determine whether the patient is experiencing hyperventilation or hypoventilation, both of which are critical in managing respiratory distress.

In this context, monitoring respiratory rate is crucial since it reflects the patient's ability to maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation. An elevated or decreased respiratory rate can indicate a significant change in the patient's condition and guide further assessment and interventions.

While other vital signs like blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and heart rate are also important, they do not give as direct a measure of respiratory status as respiratory rate does. Checking pulse oximetry, for instance, is important for assessing oxygen saturation levels, but it is often done after initial respiratory rate assessment to confirm the patient's status and determine the need for supplemental oxygen or other interventions.