Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

Which of the following is a sign of respiratory failure?

1. Peripheral edema

2. Nonproductive cough

3. Tachypnea

4. Breakfast rate inadequate

The correct answer is: Breakfast rate inadequate

The correct choice highlights a critical indicator of respiratory failure. An inadequate breathing rate signifies that the body is not receiving enough oxygen or is unable to expel carbon dioxide effectively. This can lead to severe complications and symptoms such as hypoxia and hypercapnia. Recognizing this sign is crucial for EMTs because it requires immediate intervention to support the patient’s respiratory function. In contrast, peripheral edema typically indicates fluid retention, often related to cardiovascular issues rather than directly pointing to respiratory failure. A nonproductive cough, while it may suggest some level of irritation in the respiratory system, does not inherently indicate respiratory failure. Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, could suggest various conditions, including respiratory distress, but it does not confirm respiratory failure in and of itself, as it may still indicate the body's effort to compensate for an underlying issue.