Final answer:
Late signs of respiratory distress suggesting impending failure include severe shortness of breath, cyanosis, mental status changes, abnormal breath sounds, and use of accessory muscles for breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Late Signs of Respiratory Distress Indicating Impending Respiratory Failure
Late signs of respiratory distress that indicate impending respiratory failure include a severe shortness of breath, signs of poor oxygenation such as cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin), confusion or lethargy due to elevated carbon dioxide levels, inability to speak in full sentences, and potential alteration in mental status. Additionally, a patient might demonstrate tachypnea (rapid breathing), bradypnea (abnormally slow breathing), or apnea (cessation of breathing), which can be critical indicators of respiratory compromise. Other symptoms might include stridor or wheezing,abnormal breath sounds like crackles or decreased breath sounds, and use of accessory muscles to breathe, indicating that the body is working harder to maintain adequate ventilation. Patients may also exhibit signs such as chest tightness, pain with swallowing, and a persistent cough. In severe respiratory distress, alterations in blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels can manifest as restlessness, dizziness, hypotension, and tachycardia. If these symptoms are observed, immediate medical attention is necessary as they may signal a progression to respiratory failure, which is a life-threatening condition.