Which signs define moderate respiratory distress?

• A. Dyspnea with SpO2 < 92% on oxygen, unable to speak in complete sentences, normal mental status.
• B. SpO2 > 98% on oxygen, able to speak in complete sentences.
• C. Severe confusion and agitation.
• D. No dyspnea, normal oxygenation.

Answer: (A)

Moderate respiratory distress shows noticeable breathing effort and impairment, but the person remains oriented and not severely confused. In this scenario, there is clear dyspnea with the person unable to speak in complete sentences, and oxygen saturation remains below 92% even while on supplemental oxygen. That combination—increased work of breathing with inadequate oxygenation despite oxygen therapy and preserved mental status—fits the level of moderate distress best. The other options describe either no distress (good oxygenation and easy speech) or signs suggesting more severe issues (severe confusion/agitation), which don’t match moderate distress.