What are the signs of respiratory failure?

The signs of respiratory failure primarily involve a marked reduction in the ability to maintain adequate gas exchange, which is well represented by a reduction in breathing. When a patient is in respiratory failure, they may exhibit shallow or ineffective breathing patterns, which can lead to inadequate oxygenation of the blood and retention of carbon dioxide. This condition requires immediate recognition and intervention to avoid serious consequences, including hypoxia and hypercapnia.

Increased respiratory rate might initially occur as the body tries to compensate for decreased oxygen levels or increased carbon dioxide levels, but it is not a definitive sign of respiratory failure. Likewise, forceful inhalation can occur in some breathing conditions but does not directly indicate respiratory failure. Deep tissue oxygenation is not a recognizable sign of respiratory failure; instead, it refers to the adequacy of oxygen delivery to tissues, which is typically compromised in respiratory failure situations.

Thus, recognizing a reduction in breathing is critical in identifying respiratory failure, making it the most accurate choice in this context.