What should you monitor for in a person experiencing respiratory difficulty?

Monitoring the ABCs, which stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, is crucial in situations of respiratory difficulty. The primary concern during such episodes is ensuring that the airway remains open and unobstructed, which is vital for adequate oxygen intake. Any issues with the airway can lead to compromised breathing and significant drops in oxygen levels.

Breathing should also be closely monitored, as difficulty in breathing can manifest through irregular patterns, increased effort, or audible noises such as wheezing. Additionally, circulation is important because respiratory distress can impact heart function and overall blood flow, leading to instability or shock if left unaddressed.

While heart rate, skin temperature, and eye dilation can provide some relevant information, they are secondary to the immediate management of the ABCs. The ABCs framework helps prioritize actions needed to stabilize a patient experiencing respiratory difficulty, thereby ensuring that basic life-support needs are met before other vital signs are assessed.