Respirations

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

The means by which the body gains oxygen and excretes carbon dioxide

Question 2

Assessment of respirations

Answer 2

Includes observation of rate per min and depth and associated signs eg skin colour

Breath sounds may be heard, visually observed or chest felt

One of most sensitive and earliest indicatiors of deterioration of wellbeing but should also be considered alongside additional obs

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

Determine baseline for comparisons
Monitor changes in oxygenation/respiration
Evaluate response to treatments/medication that effect respiratory system

Question 4

Tachypnoea

Answer 4

Increased respiratory rate >20bpm

Question 5

Bradypnoea

Answer 5

Decreased <12

Question 6

Dyspnoea

Answer 6

Undue breathlessness and awareness of discomfort (later pregnancy eg)

Question 7

Apnoea

Answer 7

Temporary cessation of breathing - any cause

Question 8

Orthopneoa

Answer 8

Shortness of breath lying down

Question 9

Hyperventilation

Answer 9

Increase in rate and depth of reaps

Question 10

Respiratory rate

Answer 10

Rate of breaths in 1 min
Ratio of pulse to resp = 5:1

Normal rate 12-20
Newborn 30-60

Question 11

Respiration in pregnancy

Answer 11

Oxygen demands higher
Breathing largely diaphragmatic, diaphragm displaced upwards as lower ribs flare
Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle of alveoli and despite gravid uterus splinting from below, each breath is deeper
Rate is unchanged

Labour = number and strength of contractions affect pattern and depth, breath holding discouraged, oxygenation important

Question 12

Procedure

Answer 12

Cannot be undertaken if woman aware
Countr by monitoring chest wall whilst taking pulse
Record and report as indicated