Which of the following describes respiratory failure in children?

Respiratory failure in children is characterized by inadequate oxygenation and/or ventilation. This condition occurs when the respiratory system is unable to maintain normal gas exchange, leading to insufficient oxygen levels or an inability to remove carbon dioxide effectively from the bloodstream. This can manifest as hypoxemia (low oxygen levels) or hypercapnia (increased carbon dioxide levels), both of which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly.

When assessing respiratory failure, it is crucial to recognize symptoms and clinical signs, such as altered mental status, tachypnea, use of accessory muscles, or cyanosis, indicating that the child's respiratory needs are not being met. While increased effort to breathe can be a feature observed in respiratory distress, it does not fully capture the critical nature of respiratory failure as defined by inadequate gas exchange. Normal breathing patterns and frequent coughing episodes do not indicate respiratory failure; in fact, they may suggest that the respiratory system is functioning adequately. Thus, the emphasis on inadequate oxygenation or ventilation is what distinctly defines respiratory failure in this context.