Assessing Respiratory Rate

S4.23.PPT-P2B
What is respiratory rate?

The respiratory rate is the number of

breaths a person takes per minute.
How to check the respiratory rate?

By inspecting the rise and fall of the chest/

abdomen.

By auscultating the lungs sound.

How is the best position to check
respiratory rate?
The best position for checking respiratory rate
is when the patient feel comfort and relax.
In most cases this will be in a sitting position or
in a supine position where the nurse can see
the movement of the chest easily.
How long do we need to check
the respiratory rate?
Count the Respiratry Rate for 30 seconds,
then multiply it into two if it’s regular.
Count it for one full minute if it’s irregular.
For infants, count the Respiratory Rate for 1
minute.
How is the procedure of checking
respiratory rate?

Arrange the following steps into right order!

1 5
Place the resident into a Record your results
comfortable position that will including the rate whether it is
allow you to see the movement shallow or deep breathing patterns,
of their chest. In most cases this whether or not the patient is under
will be in a sitting position or in a stress or relaxed or other aspects
2 required in this procedure.
supine position.
You can either focus on their
chest, abdomen or if you have
been given permission, place
your hand on their chest and
watch the rise and fall of their
3
chest as they breathe.
4 Ensure that while you are counting,
Count the number of
you talk to the patient. You will get a
respirations for 30 seconds. If it is
much more natural breathing
abnormal, then do it again for pattern from the patient. If not
60 seconds. Remember that distracted, the patient may actually
one respiration is one inhale concentrate on breathing and this
and one exhale. will affect your results.
What may increase the respiratory
rate?
Fever

Illness

Problems in the respiratory tract

Other medical condition

What is the normal Respiratory Rate
based on the age?
Adults : 16-24 breaths per minute

Children : 15-30 breaths per minute

Infants : 25-50 breaths per minute

 How to report the result of respiratory rate
assessment?
 24 breaths per minute (adult)

Your respiratory rate was/is twenty four breaths per minute.

It is quite high, but don’t worry I’ll report it to your doctor.

 18 breaths per minute (adult)

Your respiratory rate was/is eighteen breaths per minute.

It’s normal.