Vital Sings - Respiration Rate (Breathing Rate), TPR and BP

Vital Signs - Measure Respiration Rate/ Breathing Rate

 

Respiration is the act of breathing that includes the intake of oxygen (O2) and the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Respiration rate is the number of breaths taken per minute.  Measuring respiration rate is a primary vital sign. Vital sign includes; TPR and blood pressure.

 

 

What is the Respiratory rate?

 

Respiration rate indicates the number of times the person breaths in and out in one minute. It refers to the number of breaths a person takes per minute.

It observes by a complete respiration cycle; Inspiration + Expiration.

 

Normal Respiratory rate/ Breathing rate

 

The normal respiratory rate or breathing rate for adults is 16 to 22 breaths per minute.

 

 

Check out here normal temperatures for adults.

 

What is Ventilation?

 

The exchange of air between the lungs and the atmosphere/environment via inhalation and exhalation so that oxygen can be exchanged for carbon dioxide in the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs).

 

Know here what is normal pulse rate by age?

 

Normal Value of Respiration rate by Age

Respiratory rate normal ranges-

 Know here, blood pressure range in adults.

 

Purpose of Observe Respiration rate

 

1. To determine baseline respiratory rate for comparisons.

 

2. Observe the respiratory pattern of clients.

 

3. To monitor change in oxygenation or in respiration.

 

4. To evaluate the patient's response to medication or treatments that affects the respiratory system.

 

 

Respiration Pattern Characteristics

 

1. Respiration rate

 

It indicates the number of times the person breaths in and out in one minute.

 

2. Depth

 

It is observed by the movement of the chest during inspiration, which may be deep or shallow.

 a. Deep; a large volume of air inhaled and exhaled.

 b. Shallow; too slow, Exchange of a small volume of air minimal use of lung tissue.

 

3. Rhythm

 

It is observed by a regular repeated pattern of respiration and It indicates the equal interval between two respirations.

 

 

Method of Observe Breathing rate

 

1. Costal (Thoracic movement)

 

Observed by the movement of chest upward and downward for a complete minute. This method is commonly used for adults for counting their respiratory rate.

 

2. Diaphragmatic (Abdominal movement)

 

Involves the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm, observed by the movement of the abdomen. This method is commonly used for children for counting their respiratory rate.

 .

 

Alteration in Respiration Rate

 

1. Bradypnea

 

A decreased respiratory rate is less than 10 breaths/min.

 

2. Tachypnea

 

 An increased respiratory rate is more than 24 breaths/min

 

3. Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a state in which the supply of oxygen in tissue is insufficient for normal life functions.

 

4. Hypoxemia

 

Hypoxemia is low oxygen in your blood that can cause hypoxia (low oxygen in your tissues) when your blood doesn't carry enough oxygen to your tissues to meet your body's needs.

 

5. Anoxia

 

Anoxia is an extreme form of hypoxia, in which there is a complete loss of oxygen supply to the body.

 

6. Hyperoxia

 

Hyperoxia is a state of excess supply of O2 in tissues and organs.

 

7. Hypocarbia/Hypocapnia

 

The state of having abnormally reduced levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. The result from hyperventilation.

 

8. Hypercarbia/Hypercapnia

 

Hypercarbia is when you have too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in your bloodstream. Result of hypoventilation.

 

9. Eupnea

 

Normal breathing

 

9. Apnea

 

Apnea is the cessation(stop) of breathing, in which no movement of the muscles of inhalation.

 

10. Hypopnea

 

Hypopnea is typically defined by a Lower amount of air movement into the lungs and can cause a drop in oxygen levels in the blood.

 

11. Hyperapnoea (forced respiration)

 

An increase in the depth of respiration, It is characterized by deep breathing.

 

12. Hypoventilation

 

A condition in which a reduced amount of air enters the alveoli in the lungs, resulting in decreased levels of oxygen and increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. It causes too slow breathing.

 

13. Hyperventilation

 

A state in which breathing is deeper and more rapid than normal. It can lower carbon dioxide in the blood.

 

14. Dyspnea/Dyspnoea

 

Difficult or labored breathing, shortness of breath.