Question

A 9-year-old patient is presenting with diminished breath sounds, bradycardia, slowed respiratory rate and a low O2 saturation level. The provider interprets these findings as indicating which condition?

Select the correct answer to this question.
A. Respiratory failure
B. Respiratory distress
C. Respiratory arrest

Answer 1

The symptoms presented by the patient—diminished breath sounds, bradycardia, a slowed respiratory rate, and low O2 saturation—are interpreted as signs of respiratory failure, which requires immediate medical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The provider is likely interpreting these symptoms as indicative of respiratory failure. Respiratory failure is a severe condition characterized by inadequate gas exchange by the respiratory system. In this case, the patient is showing signs like diminished breath sounds, bradycardia (slow heart rate), slowed respiratory rate, and low oxygen saturation levels, which suggests that the respiratory system is failing to meet the body’s demand for oxygen and/or to eliminate sufficient carbon dioxide.

In respiratory distress, the patient would typically exhibit signs of labored breathing, which might include increased respiratory rate and accessory muscle use, rather than bradycardia. Respiratory arrest is the cessation of breathing and would not consist of diminished breath sounds or bradycardia, but rather no breath sounds or heart activity.