Which of the following are three signs of dyspnea?

Flaring nostrils, use of accessory muscles, and retraction of intercostal spaces are all direct indicators of dyspnea, which is the medical term for difficulty breathing.

Flaring nostrils occur as a reflex mechanism to increase airflow into the lungs during periods of respiratory distress. The use of accessory muscles involves the engagement of neck and shoulder muscles to assist in inhalation, indicating that the individual is struggling to breathe efficiently with the primary respiratory muscles alone. Retraction of intercostal spaces occurs when the spaces between the ribs draw inward during inhalation, highlighting a significant effort to expand the thoracic cavity against resistance or inadequate airflow. Together, these signs point to an increased respiratory effort and difficulty in breathing, making them classic manifestations of dyspnea.

In contrast, the other options present symptoms that may indicate discomfort or illness but do not specifically point to dyspnea in the same direct way. For example, flushing skin and rapid heart rate might suggest anxiety or fever rather than breathing difficulty. Similarly, cold sweat, dizziness, and fatigue can be symptoms of many conditions, and persistent cough with chest pain could indicate respiratory or cardiac issues but not specifically dyspnea.