Question

you have arrived at the scene of a call for a \man down.\ as you enter the residence you note that your patient is a male in his mid - 60s who is awake but does not seem to acknowledge your presence. he is perspiring profusely, has cyanosis of his ears and lips, and has rapid, shallow respirations. what phase of respiratory compromise is the patient in? respiratory distress respiratory failure respiratory arrest

Explanation:

Respiratory failure is characterized by inadequate gas exchange. In respiratory failure, patients may have altered mental status (as seen with the patient not acknowledging presence), cyanosis (blue - discoloration of ears and lips), and rapid, shallow respirations. In respiratory distress, the patient is more likely to be more alert and have more compensatory mechanisms still in play. In respiratory arrest, there is no breathing at all.

Answer:

Respiratory Failure