What condition defines respiratory failure?

Respiratory failure is primarily defined by the inability to move air properly, which can result from various underlying conditions affecting the respiratory system. This inability to ventilate effectively leads to inadequate gas exchange, resulting in insufficient oxygen reaching the bloodstream or an inability to eliminate carbon dioxide.

When the respiratory system is not functioning correctly, it incapacitates the body’s capacity to maintain normal blood gas levels, which is critical for tissue oxygenation and overall metabolism. Observable signs may include increased respiratory effort, altered mental status due to hypoxia, or signs of respiratory distress, but at its core, the defining factor is the compromised ability to facilitate adequate air movement.

Other options describe symptoms or conditions that may be associated with respiratory issues but do not directly define respiratory failure itself. Thus, the choice relating to the inability to move air properly is the most accurate definition of respiratory failure.