What vital sign alteration might you expect in a patient experiencing an asthma attack?

During an asthma attack, the body reacts to the difficulty in breathing and the associated stress. This response often includes an increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia. The respiratory distress caused by constricted airways leads to a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in carbon dioxide levels. To compensate for these changes, the heart beats faster to improve the circulation of oxygen-rich blood and to help remove carbon dioxide. This physiological response is part of the body's attempt to maintain adequate tissue perfusion despite the obstructed airflow.

In an asthma attack, other vital signs such as blood pressure might remain stable or can vary based on the severity. However, the significant change in heart rate, particularly the increase, is a hallmark due to the acute stress and respiratory effort the patient is experiencing. This differentiation in the heart rate response is crucial for recognizing and managing the respiratory status of a patient with asthma.