Respiratory Rate (Vital Signs)

Question 1

Respiratory Rate:

Answer 1

• exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
• should be automatic, noiseless, effortless
• inhalation and exhalation

Question 2

What controls breathing?

Answer 2

the medulla (which is sensitive to the CO2 levels in blood)

Question 3

Normal RR in adults

Answer 3

12-20 cpm

Question 4

Tachypnea

Answer 4

rapid RR due to increased temperature or a disease

Question 5

Bradypnea

Answer 5

slow RR due to hypothermia, narcotics, or neurologic conditions

Question 6

Apnea

Answer 6

• absence of breathing

- if it lasts for 4-6 mins it can cause brain damage

Question 7

Hyperventilation

Answer 7

rapid or deep breathing, usually caused by anxiety or panic

Question 8

Hypoventilation

Answer 8

shallow or slow breathing

Question 9

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

Answer 9

• gradual increase then gradual decrease
• stops breathing then resumes
• seen before death

Question 10

Dyspnea

Answer 10

• labored breathing

- leads to hypoxia (O2 deficiency) and hypercapnea (high CO2 levels)

Question 11

Orthopnea

Answer 11

breathing affected by sitting or standing or lying down

Question 12

Stridor

Answer 12

• harsh high-pitched sound when there is laryngeal obstruction
• seen in children with croup
• swelling around vocal cords