Pulse and Respiration

Question 1

Why are pulse and respiration related?

Answer 1

Related because the heart and lungs work together. Normally, an increase or decrease in one causes the same effect on the other

Question 2

How is a pulse created?

Answer 2

Palpate artery against a bone

Question 3

What is the normal pulse range?

Answer 3

60-100 bpm

Question 4

Define tachycardia

Answer 4

Greater than 100 bpm (tachy=fast)

Question 5

Define bradycardia

Answer 5

Less than 60 bpm (brady=slow)

Question 6

In addition to pulse rate, what else should you note about the patient’s pulse?

Answer 6

• Rhythm-regular or irregular
• Volume-weak, strong, bounding

Question 7

What are some reasons for elevated pulse rate?

Answer 7

• Fever
• Pain
• Dehydration
• Anxiety
• Infection
• Poor physical conditioning

Question 8

Explain the technique to measure a patient’s pulse

Answer 8

• Measure at the radial artery (most common)
• Count for 1 minute
• May be counted for 30 seconds and multiply by 2

If the pulse is irregular count for one full minute

Review Procedure notes pg 6

Question 9

What are other arterial sites to obtain pulse?

Answer 9

• Carotid
• Temporal
• Brachial
• Femoral
• Popliteal
• Posterior tibial
• Dorsalis pedis

Question 10

What area do you use a stethoscope to measure pulse?

Answer 10

Apex of the heart

Question 11

What is the apical pulse and how is it taken?

Answer 11

• Method for obtaining pulse in an infant
• Using a stethoscope to listen at the apex of the heart

Question 12

Where is the apex of the heart?

Answer 12

The apex is located in the 5th intercostal space between the ribs on the left side of the sternum of the chest

Question 13

What is the respiratory rate?

Answer 13

Indication of how well the body provides oxygen to the tissues

Question 14

What is the definition of one respiration?

Answer 14

One inhalation and one exhalation

Question 15

What is the normal respiration rate?

Answer 15

Normal 12-20 minute in adult

Question 16

Explain the technique of measuring respiration

Answer 16

• Check by watching chest rise and fall, listening, or feeling movement
• May use stethoscope
• Try to count respiration subtly
• Once patient is aware that respiration is being measured, they may unintentionally alter breathing
• Count the respirations while you have your habd on the pulse site
• If using a stethoscope, tell patient you want to listen to their lungs
• Count for one full minute

Review Procedure notes pg 6

Question 17

What are things to note while measuring respiration?

Answer 17

• Note: Rate and rhythm
• Quality of effort- normal, shallow or deep
• When using a stethoscope-abnormal sounds may include:
  -Wheezing
  -Rales
  -Rhonchi

Question 18

What are some irregularities seen in respirations?

Answer 18

• Hyperventilation
• Dyspnea
• Tachypnea
• Bradypnea
• Hyperpnea

Question 19

Define Dyspnea

Answer 19

difficult or painful breathing

Question 20

Define Tachypnea

Answer 20

rapid breathing

Question 21

Define Bradypnea

Answer 21

slow breathing

Question 22

Define Hyperpnea

Answer 22

Abnormal rapid or labored breathing

Question 23

Define respiration sounds listed below:
* Rales
* Rhonchi

Answer 23

• Rales
  -Crackling sounds
  -Fluid in the lungs
  -Pneumonia
  -Collapse of part or all the lungs
  -Pulmonart edema (excess fluid in the lung)
• Rhonchi
  -Deep rattling
  -Partial obstruction of airway
  -Asthma, acute bronchitis

Question 24

Define Apnea

Answer 24

• Period of breathing cessation
• Sleep apnea
• Periods of increasing and decreasing depth of respiration between periods of apnea
• Strokes, head injuries, brain tumors, congestive heart failure