Respiration
The process of breathing and gas exchange
Definition
Respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and environment. It includes ventilation (air movement), gas exchange (alveolar-capillary), and transport in blood.
Normal Respiratory Rates by Age
- Newborn: 30 to 60
- Infant: 30 to 50
- Toddler: 25 to 32
- Child: 18 to 26
- Adolescent/adult: 12 to 20
Assessment
Rate, depth, rhythm, effort, use of accessory muscles, SpO2, breath sounds. Observe without patient's awareness (conscious breathing alters the rate).
Abnormal Patterns
- Tachypnea: greater than 20/min (adults)
- Bradypnea: less than 12/min
- Apnea: cessation greater than 10 seconds
- Dyspnea: labored breathing
- Orthopnea: dyspnea when supine
- Cheyne-Stokes, Kussmaul, Biot's: specific patterns
NCLEX Relevance
Memorize age-specific respiratory rates.