A nurse is caring for a 16-year-old adolescent who just received rescue medication for an asthma exacerbation. Prior to the medication administration. nursing assessment revealed tearfulness, a respiratory rate of 32/min, wheezing in all lobes, oxygen saturation level of 91% on room air, inability to speak, and nasal flaring. The nurse should recognize that which of the following manifestations would indicate the client's condition is improving?