Which term describes cessation of breathing due to the lungs failing to function effectively?

• A. Respiratory Arrest
• B. Respiratory Distress
• C. Respiratory Failure
• D. Apnea

Answer: (A)

Cessation of breathing when the lungs aren’t able to ventilate effectively is described as respiratory arrest. The key idea is that breathing has stopped due to the respiratory system failing to provide ventilation. Apnea, while also meaning no breaths, doesn’t by itself specify that the stoppage is due to lung failure; it’s a broader term for lack of breathing and can have various causes. Respiratory failure means ventilation or gas exchange is insufficient but some breathing may still occur, and respiratory distress is ongoing, labored breathing with active ventilation. In this scenario, since breathing has ceased because the lungs aren’t functioning well enough to ventilate, the best term is respiratory arrest.