This is the act of measuring the number of breaths of a patient/client in cycles per minute. Each cycle involves one sequence of inspiration, expiration and a pause. It is measured by counting the number of times a patient’s/client’s chest rises and falls in a minute. The unit of measurement is cycles or breaths per minute(bpm).
The normal ranges for adults and children are stated below:
a. Children:
· Infants (Birth – 1 year): 30 – 60bpm
· Toddler (1 – 3years): 24 – 40bpm
· 3 – 6 years: 22 – 34bpm
· 6 – 12 years: 18 – 30bpm
· Adolescent (12 – 18 years): 12 – 16bpm
b. Adults: 16 – 20bpm
Aims
· Determine the baseline values of a patient for future comparisons
· Detect changes and abnormalities in the condition of the patient
· Evaluate patient response to interventions
· Provide data to identify patient problems
Requirements
· Pen
· Observation chart
· Breast watch or appropriate timer
Steps
1. Establish rapport with patient (Refer to steps)
2. Explain procedure to patient (Refer to steps)
3. Assist patient into an appropriate resting position
4. Observe patient respiration without his/her awareness
5. Observe the position in which patient breath better and skin colour.
6. Note the rise and fall of patient chest during inspiration and expiration, the rise and fall counts as one cycle
7. With the aid of an appropriate timer count for a full minute
8. Note the depth rhythm and any difficulty in breathing
9. Record the findings on the observational chart (manual/electronic)
10. Perform hand hygiene
11. Assist patient to return to a desirable position
12. Discuss findings with patient and report any abnormalities detected appropriate officer
0 Comments