What is an important assessment for a patient showing signs of respiratory distress?

Listening for wheezing is an important assessment for a patient showing signs of respiratory distress because wheezing indicates a narrowing of the airways, often seen in conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or anaphylaxis. When a patient is in respiratory distress, understanding the nature and characteristics of their breath sounds can reveal critical information about the underlying cause of their difficulty breathing. Wheezing is often a sign that the body is attempting to move air through constricted passages, making it a key indicator for EMTs to monitor as they evaluate the patient's respiratory status and determine subsequent treatment steps.