Final answer:
Sleeping undisturbed for three hours is an indication of increased psychological comfort in a client with acute respiratory distress, reflecting a sense of safety and trust in the medical staff.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a 49-year-old client with acute respiratory distress, nurses look for signs of increased psychological comfort. If the client begins sleeping undisturbed for three hours, it may indicate they have achieved a greater sense of safety and trust in the care being provided. In contrast, constantly demanding explanations and monitoring every action by staff may reflect anxiety and lack of comfort. The ability to sleep peacefully for several hours suggests the client is feeling secure enough to let down their guard and rest, which is crucial for healing and recovery.