Measuring respiratory rate Flashcards
Describe the method to measure respiratory rate?
Count number of times that patient’s chest and abdomen rises
What is the time duration of measuring respiratory rate?
15 seconds, then multiply number by 4
30 seconds, then multiply number by 2
Overall time must be a minute
When would you measure respiratory rate continuously for a minute?
Patient has abnormal/irregular breathing rhythm
When should you measure respiratory rate relative to other vitals?
Try to measure immediately after measuring pulse/heart rate
After you have obtained the respiratory rate value, how should you record the value?
In NEWS
Why should respiratory rate be measured at rest?
Patient movement and change in position can cause inaccurate measurements
Why should respiratory rate ideally be measured when patient is distracted?
Patient might try to control their breathing if they are aware and thinking that you are counting, so will cause inaccurate measurement
What is the normal range for respiration rate in adults?
12-20 bpm
What term is used to describe respiratory rate under 12 bpm in adults?
Bradypnea: abnormally slow respiratory rate
What term is used to describe respiratory rate over 20 bpm in adults?
Tachypnea: abnormally fast respiratory rate
How is respiratory rate affected by metabolic acidosis, and what is the term for the resp rate in this situation?
Blood acid level becomes too high (metabolic acidosis) and can be toxic, so resp rate increases to remove excess acid in form of carbon dioxide
Kussmaul breathing: Form of tachypnea characterised by rapid, deep breathing at consistent rate
Give 2 common types of metabolic acidosis that can cause tachypnea in form of Kussmaul breathing?
Diabetic ketoacidosis: build up of ketones, which are acidic
Renal tubular acidosis: unable to excrete acid properly
Why does exercise cause tachypnea?
To increase oxygen supply so that demands of energy generation for muscle contraction can be met
Increased carbon dioxide level in blood also increases acidity
How can anxiety and emotional distress affect respiratory rate?
Increased adrenaline level, which causes resp rate to increase as part of fight or flight response
Give 4 lung conditions that can cause tachypnea?
Asthma
PE
Pneumonia
COPD
How does shock affect respiratory rate?
Shock (eg. anaphylactic shock) causes tachypnea
How does fever affect respiratory rate?
Fever causes tachypnea, to meet demands of increased metabolism due to immune response
If a patient has/suspected to have sepsis, what is the characteristic presentation of their respiratory rate?
Tachypnea, due to septic fever
How do head injuries affect respiratory rate?
Bradypnea, as trauma to areas around brainstem and spinal cord which control breathing can stop them from stimulating lungs and muscles to inhale and exhale
How can drug overdose affect respiratory rate?
Bradypnea caused as result of opioid-induced respiratory depression
How can obesity affect respiratory rate?
Obesity causes tachypnea due to fat deposition in airways which narrows them, leading to respiration resistance
