Exam

Respiratory Rate

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Respiratory Rate, Breathing Rate

  • See Also
  1. Tachypnea
  2. Bradypnea
  • Technique
  • Measurement
  1. Count for full minute with patient least distressed
  2. Count without patient aware of measurement
  • Criteria
  • Normal Respiratory Rate at rest (bpm = breaths per minute)
  1. Age <1 month: 30-60 bpm
  2. Age 1 to 6 months: 30-50 bpm
  3. Age 6 to 12 months: 24-46 bpm
  4. Age 1 to 4 years: 20-30 bpm
  5. Age 4 to 6 years: 20-25
  6. Age 6 to 12 years: 16-20 bpm
  7. Age >12 years and adult: 12-16 bpm
  • Interpretation
  • Abnormal
  1. See Tachypnea
  2. See Bradypnea
  3. See Kussmaul Respiration
  4. See Cheyne-Stokes Respirations
  • References
  1. Fuchs and Yamamoto (2011) APLS, Jones and Bartlett, Burlington, p. 85
  2. Johnson (1993) Harriet Lane Handbook, p.335
  3. Degowin (1987) Diagnostic Exam, p. 279-80