dam93732_ch15.qxd 12/7/05 2:10 PM Page 385
Assessment Techniques and Findings
Box 15.1
385
Normal and Abnormal Respiratory Rates and Patterns
Normal Findings
Eupnea
Even depth
Regular pattern
Inspiration Expiration
Occasional sigh
Inspiration
Expiration
Eupnea with sigh
Abnormal Findings
Tachypnea
Rapid, shallow respirations
Rate > 24
Precipitating factors: fever, fear, exercise, respiratory insufficiency, pleuritic
pain, alkalosis, pneumonia
Bradypnea
Slow, regular respirations
Rate < 10
Precipitating factors: diabetic coma, drug-induced respiratory depression,
increased intracranial pressure
Hyperventilation
Rapid, deep respirations
Rate > 24
Precipitating factors: extreme exertion, fear, diabetic ketoacidosis
(Kussmaul’s), hypoxia, salicylate overdose, hypoglycemia
Hypoventilation
Irregular, shallow respirations
Rate < 10
Precipitating factors: narcotic overdose, anesthetics, prolonged bed rest,
chest splinting
Cheyne-Stokes
Periods of deep breathing alternating with periods of apnea
Regular pattern
Precipitating factors: normal children and aging, heart failure, uremia, brain
damage, drug-induced respiratory depression
Biot’s (Ataxic) Respirations
Shallow, deep respirations with periods of apnea
Irregular pattern
Precipitating factors: respiratory depression, brain damage
Sighing
Frequent sighs
Precipitating factors: hyperventilation syndrome, nervousness
Causes: dyspnea, dizziness
Obstructive Breathing
Prolonged expiration
Precipitating factors: COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis
Expiration
Prolonged expiration
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