Measuring respiratory rate Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the method to measure respiratory rate?

A

Count number of times that patient’s chest and abdomen rises

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2
Q

What is the time duration of measuring respiratory rate?

A

15 seconds, then multiply number by 4

30 seconds, then multiply number by 2

Overall time must be a minute

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3
Q

When would you measure respiratory rate continuously for a minute?

A

Patient has abnormal/irregular breathing rhythm

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4
Q

When should you measure respiratory rate relative to other vitals?

A

Try to measure immediately after measuring pulse/heart rate

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5
Q

After you have obtained the respiratory rate value, how should you record the value?

A

In NEWS

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6
Q

Why should respiratory rate be measured at rest?

A

Patient movement and change in position can cause inaccurate measurements

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7
Q

Why should respiratory rate ideally be measured when patient is distracted?

A

Patient might try to control their breathing if they are aware and thinking that you are counting, so will cause inaccurate measurement

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8
Q

What is the normal range for respiration rate in adults?

A

12-20 bpm

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9
Q

What term is used to describe respiratory rate under 12 bpm in adults?

A

Bradypnea: abnormally slow respiratory rate

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10
Q

What term is used to describe respiratory rate over 20 bpm in adults?

A

Tachypnea: abnormally fast respiratory rate

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11
Q

How is respiratory rate affected by metabolic acidosis, and what is the term for the resp rate in this situation?

A

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

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12
Q

Give 2 common types of metabolic acidosis that can cause tachypnea in form of Kussmaul breathing?

A

Diabetic ketoacidosis: build up of ketones, which are acidic

Renal tubular acidosis: unable to excrete acid properly

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13
Q

Why does exercise cause tachypnea?

A

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

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14
Q

How can anxiety and emotional distress affect respiratory rate?

A

Increased adrenaline level, which causes resp rate to increase as part of fight or flight response

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15
Q

Give 4 lung conditions that can cause tachypnea?

A

Asthma
PE
Pneumonia
COPD

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16
Q

How does shock affect respiratory rate?

A

Shock (eg. anaphylactic shock) causes tachypnea

17
Q

How does fever affect respiratory rate?

A

Fever causes tachypnea, to meet demands of increased metabolism due to immune response

18
Q

If a patient has/suspected to have sepsis, what is the characteristic presentation of their respiratory rate?

A

Tachypnea, due to septic fever

19
Q

How do head injuries affect respiratory rate?

A

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

20
Q

How can drug overdose affect respiratory rate?

A

Bradypnea caused as result of opioid-induced respiratory depression

21
Q

How can obesity affect respiratory rate?

A

Obesity causes tachypnea due to fat deposition in airways which narrows them, leading to respiration resistance