What is a significant sign of respiratory failure in an adult?

What is a significant sign of respiratory failure in an adult?

• A. Increased respiratory rate
• B. Altered mental status
• C. Wheezing
• D. Productive cough

Answer: (B)

Altered mental status is a significant sign of respiratory failure in an adult because it indicates that the body's oxygenation and ventilation are severely compromised. When the respiratory system fails to adequately exchange gases, particularly during acute respiratory distress, the brain may not receive sufficient oxygen. This lack of oxygen can lead to confusion, drowsiness, or even coma, signaling a critical situation that requires immediate intervention. While an increased respiratory rate could suggest that the body is trying to compensate for inadequate oxygenation, it is not a definitive indicator of respiratory failure itself. Wheezing might indicate a narrowing of the airways but does not alone signify respiratory failure. A productive cough can reflect various respiratory conditions, such as infections, but it also does not necessarily indicate the severity of respiratory function. In contrast, altered mental status directly relates to the effectiveness of the respiratory system in maintaining adequate oxygen levels within the blood, making it a more concerning sign of respiratory failure.

Altered mental status is a significant sign of respiratory failure in an adult because it indicates that the body's oxygenation and ventilation are severely compromised. When the respiratory system fails to adequately exchange gases, particularly during acute respiratory distress, the brain may not receive sufficient oxygen. This lack of oxygen can lead to confusion, drowsiness, or even coma, signaling a critical situation that requires immediate intervention.

While an increased respiratory rate could suggest that the body is trying to compensate for inadequate oxygenation, it is not a definitive indicator of respiratory failure itself. Wheezing might indicate a narrowing of the airways but does not alone signify respiratory failure. A productive cough can reflect various respiratory conditions, such as infections, but it also does not necessarily indicate the severity of respiratory function. In contrast, altered mental status directly relates to the effectiveness of the respiratory system in maintaining adequate oxygen levels within the blood, making it a more concerning sign of respiratory failure.