What is a sign that a patient may require intubation?

A patient may require intubation when there are signs of respiratory failure. This condition indicates that the patient is unable to maintain adequate gas exchange, leading to the potential for hypoxemia or hypercapnia. Symptoms of respiratory failure can include altered mental status, labored or ineffective breathing, or a significant drop in oxygen saturation levels. When a patient is unable to ventilate effectively, intubation becomes necessary to secure the airway and provide mechanical ventilation, ensuring that oxygen is delivered adequately to the lungs and carbon dioxide is removed.

In contrast, indications such as a normal breathing pattern, the ability to ventilate independently, and stable vital signs suggest that the patient's respiratory status is stable and does not require such urgent intervention. These factors would typically point to a patient who is managing their airway effectively, thus reducing the need for intubation.