Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a major early sign of acute respiratory failure?

1. No change in respiratory rate

2. Complaint of shortness of breath

3. Increased respiratory rate

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Increased respiratory rate

A major early sign of acute respiratory failure is an increased respiratory rate. This physiological response occurs as the body attempts to compensate for falling oxygen levels or rising carbon dioxide levels in the blood. When the respiratory system begins to fail, the body often increases the respiratory rate (hyperventilation) in an effort to enhance oxygen uptake and eliminate carbon dioxide more effectively. This compensatory mechanism is critical to recognize, as it indicates that the patient may be experiencing a significant respiratory compromise that requires immediate assessment and intervention. While complaints of shortness of breath can also indicate respiratory distress, the key characteristic of acute respiratory failure is the body's response in terms of respiratory patterns, particularly the increase in rate. In early failure, respiratory changes tend to manifest before more severe symptoms develop, making monitoring the respiratory rate essential in detecting early signs of distress. Therefore, the increase in respiratory rate becomes a significant indicator of an underlying problem, warranting further investigation and possibly immediate therapeutic interventions.