Respiratory Failure (HB)

Respiratory failure is difficulty breathing that affects the mental status. Respiratory failure is a serious problem that we need to fix as soon as possible. A patient in respiratory failure will quickly become a patient in respiratory arrest if not corrected. The patient is not moving enough air to supply adequate oxygen to the blood.

Patients in respiratory failure will only be able to speak one to two words at a time—if at all. The patient may be only verbally or pain responsive.

Be ready to ventilate the patient or provide supplemental oxygen if it is available.