Respiration counting in first aid and respiratory abnormalities-“Nursing Principles”

Respiration counting and Respiratory Abnormalities

The respiratory rate is counted by noting the outward and inward movements of the anterior chest wall and anterior abdominal wall per minute. Normal respiratory rate is 16-20/minute. The adequacy of respiration is judged by holding a hand in front of the nose and feeling the blast of air as the patient breathes out.

Respiration can be abnormal as shown in the following table.

Respiratory Abnormalities

Type                                       Causes

Rapid – Lack of oxygen at the tissue level which might be due to low oxygen content in the inspired air, diseases of the lungs or heart, low hemoglobin level, or shock

Slow – depression of respiratory center

Stridor – Partial airway obstruction during inspiration, expiration, or both

Shallow – Painful conditions of chest wall such as fracture of ribs

Granting – Pneumonia

Gasping – Usually in a dying patient

Cheyne –Stokes – The interval between successive breaths goes on increasing until the breathing appears to have ceased. Then it starts all over again

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