Respiratory Rate

Assessing a Client’s Respiratory Rate

• Tools:
  • Watch or clock to monitor time
• Steps:
  1. Have client seated comfortably
  2. Watch chest wall move in and out while they breathe
  3. Count each breath, in and out = 1 breath
  4. Record breaths over one minute time, you can count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 or count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4
  5. Document amount of breaths that client takes in one minute time as ____ breaths/minute
• Remember:
  • Respiratory rate is best monitored without client’s knowledge as they may alter their breathing if they know it is being watched/counted
  • Can do this while checking heart rate in order to omit client knowledge
• Normal Values:
  • Adults: Normal range is 12-22 breaths/minute
  • Tachypnea: Respiratory rate above normal (>22 RR/minute)
    • Can be due to anxiety, pain, exercise, fear
  • Bradypnea: Respiratory rate below normal (<12 RR/minute)
    • Can be due to CNS damage or side effect of medication

(Gett & Romaniw, 2021)

References

Gett, M., & Romaniw, A. (2021, September 1). Vitals [Lecture Notes]. Brightspace. https://mylearning.chatham.edu/d2l/le/content/21252/Home