1. Respirations Assessing Respirations Stephanie Oliver, DNP, RN

2. Importance  Survival depends on O2-CO2 exchange in the body  Respiration is the mechanism the body uses to exchange gases between the atmosphere and the blood and the blood and the cells

3. Respiratory Terms  PNEA = breathing  DYSPNEA (dys = difficult)  EUPNEA (eu = normal)  APNEA ( a = without)  BRADYPNEA (brady = slow)  TACHYPNEA (tachy = rapid, fast)  ORTHOPNEA (ortho = straight)  HYPOVENTILATION ( hypo = decreased)  HYPERVENTILATION (hyper = increased)  CHEYNE-STOKES (apnea & dyspnea )

4. Assessment of Respiration  Factors to consider: –What is the patient doing?  EXERCISE  PAIN  ANXIETY  SMOKING  MEDICATIONS  POSITION  BLOOD COMPONENTS

5. Respiratory Characteristics Rate: (normal = 12-20) involves one complete inspiration and expiration Depth: observation of the excursion or movement of the chest wall Rhythm: regularity of respirations

6. Respirations  BREATHING PATTERNS ARE DETERMINED BY OBSERVING THE CHEST WALL IN WOMEN AND THE ABDOMEN IN MEN AND CHILDREN  RESPIRATIONS ARE CONSIDERED LABORED IF THE ACCESSORY MUSCLES ARE USED

7. Counting Respirations  Place pt’s arm across the chest in a relaxed position  Observe one complete respiratory cycle (inspiration & expiration)  Look at second hand of watch  Determine start time  Begin count  If respirations are “normal” count for 30 seconds and multiply times 2  If abnormal count for 1 minute

8. Pulse Oximeter  Noninvasive  Used for measuring a patient’s oxygen level (SpO2) in the blood and pulse rate  Normal range is 95- 100%