4.3: Respiratory Rate

Respiratory rate

Number of times a person breaths (inspiration and expiration) in one minute

1 breath equals

1 rise (inspiration) + 1 fall (expiration)

Normal resting respiratory rate in healthy adults

12-18 breaths per minute

Bradypnea

Tachypnea

More than 18 breaths per minute

Apnea

The absence of breathing, which is usually encountered during telemetry monitoring

Sleep apnea

The absence of breathing during sleep, which is usually seen in patients suffering from obesity

Premature respiratory rate

40-70 breaths per minute

0-3 months old respiratory rate

35 to 55 breaths per minute

3-6 months old respiratory rate

30-45 breaths per minute

6-12 months respiratory rate

25-40 breaths per minute

1-3 years old respiratory rate

20-30 breaths per minute

3-6 years old respiratory rate

20-25 breaths per minute

6-12 years old respiratory rate

14-22 breaths per minute

12 years old and above respiratory rate

12-20 breaths per minute

Step 1 of measuring respiratory rate

Make the patient rest comfortably

Step 2 of measuring respiratory rate

Step 3 of measuring respiratory rate

Check and listen the breathing and rhythm duration

Step 4 of measuring respiratory rate

Determine the respiratory rate by counting the breaths for 30 seconds and multiplying it by 2

Patient is breathing abnormally