Respiratory rate

Definition

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute. It is an essential vital sign used to assess overall health and detect potential respiratory issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Normal respiratory rate for adults ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
2. Elevated respiratory rates can indicate conditions such as pneumonia, asthma, or metabolic acidosis.
3. Malnutrition can weaken respiratory muscles, potentially increasing the respiratory rate.
4. Adequate nutrition supports lung function by providing necessary energy and nutrients for respiratory muscles.
5. Monitoring respiratory rate helps in assessing the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in patients with pulmonary conditions.

Review Questions

• What is the normal range for adult respiratory rates?
• How can malnutrition affect a patient's respiratory rate?
• Why is it important to monitor respiratory rate in patients with pulmonary conditions?

Related terms

Tidal Volume: The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath.

Hypoxia: A condition where there is insufficient oxygen in the tissues.

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT): A group of tests that measure how well the lungs are working.