Which symptom indicates impending respiratory arrest in hypoxia?

Which symptom indicates impending respiratory arrest in hypoxia?

• A. Cyanosis
• B. Intercostal retractions
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Nausea

Answer: (B)

In hypoxia, the body tries harder to ventilate, so you’ll see the chest and accessory muscles recruited to assist breathing. Intercostal retractions happen when the muscles between the ribs pull inward during inspiration, showing the effort is now excessive and fatigue is setting in. That fatigue signals that ventilation may soon fail, making respiratory arrest likely if not addressed. Cyanosis tends to be a late sign, appearing after oxygen delivery has already become critically insufficient, so it’s not the best early indicator. Hyperglycemia and nausea aren’t directly related to the mechanics of breathing or impending arrest in this context.

In hypoxia, the body tries harder to ventilate, so you’ll see the chest and accessory muscles recruited to assist breathing. Intercostal retractions happen when the muscles between the ribs pull inward during inspiration, showing the effort is now excessive and fatigue is setting in. That fatigue signals that ventilation may soon fail, making respiratory arrest likely if not addressed.

Cyanosis tends to be a late sign, appearing after oxygen delivery has already become critically insufficient, so it’s not the best early indicator. Hyperglycemia and nausea aren’t directly related to the mechanics of breathing or impending arrest in this context.