Tachypnea

Definition

Tachypnea is a respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths per minute in adults. It may reflect compensation for hypoxia, acidosis, fever, anxiety, pain, or respiratory distress.

Causes

• Hypoxia (pneumonia, PE, asthma, COPD)
• Pain, anxiety, fever
• Metabolic acidosis (compensatory hyperventilation)
• Sepsis
• Pulmonary edema, CHF
• ARDS

Nursing Assessment

Count rate for a full minute. Assess SpO2, breath sounds, work of breathing (accessory muscle use, retractions, nasal flaring), mental status, and skin color.

Nursing Interventions

Identify and address underlying cause. Position for comfort (often upright), apply oxygen, reassure patient. Monitor for deterioration. Rising RR combined with decreasing SpO2 or mental status is a red flag.

NCLEX Relevance

Tachypnea is an early respiratory distress cue.