Respirations Assessing Respirations Stephanie Oliver DNP RN Importance
- Slides: 8
Respirations Assessing Respirations Stephanie Oliver, DNP, RN
Importance Survival depends on O 2 -CO 2 exchange in the body u Respiration is the mechanism the body uses to exchange gases between the atmosphere and the blood and the cells u
Respiratory Terms u u u u u 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)
Assessment of Respiration u Factors to consider: – What is the patient doing? EXERCISE u PAIN u ANXIETY u SMOKING u MEDICATIONS u POSITION u BLOOD COMPONENTS u
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
Respirations u u 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
Counting Respirations Place pt’s arm across the chest in a relaxed position u Observe one complete respiratory cycle (inspiration & expiration) u Look at second hand of watch u Determine start time u Begin count u If respirations are “normal” count for 30 seconds and multiply times 2 u If abnormal count for 1 minute u
Pulse Oximeter Noninvasive u Used for measuring a patient’s oxygen level (Sp. O 2) in the blood and pulse rate u Normal range is 95100% u
