A 4-year-old female is having great difficulty breathing. She is responsive to verbal stimuli and has an open airway. Her respiratory rate is 40 breaths per minute, and she has an SpO₂ reading of 88% while receiving high-concentration oxygen through a pediatric nonrebreather mask. Her pulse is rapid, and her skin cool to the touch. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would recognize what condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child's symptoms indicate respiratory failure, not just distress, due to the high respiratory rate, low SpO₂ despite high-concentration oxygen, rapid pulse, and cool skin. These signs suggest the body is not adequately oxygenated, indicating a failure in the respiratory system's function.

A 4-Year-Old Female Is Having Great Difficulty Breathing