How do you recognize a patient in respiratory failure?

Recognizing a patient in respiratory failure primarily involves assessing both respiratory function and the patient's overall condition. The presence of abnormal respiratory patterns, such as irregular breathing rates or difficulties in breathing (e.g., gasping or using accessory muscles), is a critical indicator of respiratory distress. When these abnormal patterns accompany an altered mental status—such as confusion, lethargy, or decreased responsiveness—it signals that the body is not adequately oxygenating, which is a hallmark of respiratory failure. This combination is essential for understanding the severity of the situation and determining the need for immediate intervention.

While wheezing can indicate bronchospasm or airway obstruction, it is not sufficient on its own to confirm respiratory failure. Similarly, an increased heart rate may signify stress or compensatory mechanisms but does not directly indicate respiratory failure without other supporting signs. Finally, if a patient has ceased all respiratory efforts, they would be in respiratory arrest, which is a distinct and more severe condition than respiratory failure, thus requiring different priorities in management.