Which of the following symptoms is typically associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Progressive hypoxia is a hallmark symptom of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In ARDS, there is an inflammatory response in the lungs that leads to increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane. This results in fluid accumulation in the alveoli, impairing gas exchange and causing a significant drop in oxygen levels in the bloodstream. As the condition progresses, the patient experiences increasing difficulty in breathing and a marked decrease in oxygen saturation, which is described as progressive hypoxia.

Other symptoms associated with ARDS may include rapid breathing, use of accessory muscles for breathing, and a distressing feeling of not being able to catch one's breath. However, the defining feature that differentiates ARDS from other respiratory conditions is the rapid progression of hypoxia due to impaired gas exchange rather than the presence of chronic symptoms or excessive sputum production.