1. Vital Signs Respirations

2. Process of taking in oxygen & expelling carbon dioxide 1 respiration = inspiration & expiration Measure while taking pulse; pt is not to know you are measuring resp. Leave fingers @ pulse site while counting respirations

3. Range of Respirations All breathing is silent with effort Adult 12 to 20 Children 16 to 25 Infant 30 to 50

4. Terms Rate = # of breaths per minute Tachypnea = 25 or higher Bradypnea = 10 or higher Character – quality of breathing (deep, shallow, labored) Rhythm = equal spacing between breaths Dyspnea = difficulty breathing Apnea = no breathing Orthopnea – severe difficulty breathing

5. Rales = bubbling (caused by fluid in lungs) Wheezing = high pitched whistling Cheyne-Stokes = difficulty breathing followed by apnea; common among dying pts. Cyanosis = blue color; lack of oxygen

6. Breath Sounds http://faculty.etsu.edu/arnall/www/public_html/heartlung/br eathsounds/contents.html http://faculty.etsu.edu/arnall/www/public_html/heartlung/br eathsounds/contents.html

7. Factors that Increase/Decrease Respirations Increase Exercise Eating Resp. infections Stimulant drugs Decrease Sleep, fatigue Certain drugs (Ex-Morphine) Pressure on the medulla (tumor)