Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

In pediatric patients, the following symptoms may indicate respiratory failure

Seesaw breathing - Alternating movements of the chest and abdomen while breathing

Core cyanosis - Bluish tinge to the central part of the body, including the lips and tongue

Absent breath sounds - Lack of breath sounds heard during auscultation

Hypotension - Low blood pressure

Option A is incorrect because Kussmaul breathing (deep, rapid, and labored breathing) and grunting (a noise made during exhalation) may be present in respiratory distress, but they are not specific to respiratory failure. Head bobbing and retractions (sucking in of the skin between the ribs and above the collar bones) may also be present in respiratory distress, but not necessarily in respiratory failure.

Option B is incorrect because although a rapid heartbeat, flushed skin, confusion, and anxiety may indicate respiratory distress, they are not specific to respiratory failure. These symptoms may be present in a variety of conditions.

Option D is incorrect because although excessive sweating, pale skin, cold extremities, and tachypnea (rapid breathing) may indicate respiratory distress, they are not specific to respiratory failure. These symptoms may also be present in other conditions.