A 35-year-old is brought to the emergency department becaus…
A 35-year-old is brought to the emergency department because of worsening shortness of breath and cough. The client has a history of asthma, which has been further exacerbated since he started to have a runny nose, cough, and fever 2 days ago. The physical examination reveals a sick-looking client whose vitals are temperature 100.2 °F (37.9 °C), blood pressure 135/80 mm Hg, heart rate 130 bpm, and respiratory rate 30 breaths/min. He has difficulty talking. His chest exam reveals intercostal retraction and generalized wheezing. What is the clinical sign that indicates the most significant respiratory emergency?