RESPIRATION

INTRO TO RESPIRATION

DEFINITION AND HOW TO RECORD IT

• number of breaths a person takes per minute
• count the number of breaths per min. by counting how many times the chest rises and falls
• make sure person is at rest and is normal while taking rate
• make sure to wash hands before and after checking the respiration of a patient
• if person is sick, make sure they are wearing a face mask before checking

NORMAL STATISTICS

• Adults: 12-20 breaths per minute
• 6 months: 25-40 breaths per minute
• 3 years: 20-30 breaths per minute
• 6 years: 18-25 breaths per minute
• 10 years: 15-20 breaths per minute

WHY TEST RESPIRATION RATE

• Rates might increase in case of fever
• Illness and medical conditions might also increase respiration
• Note whether a person has difficulty breathing which may be a sign
• A person with an abnormal respiration rate must visit a doctor to get a check up

VITAL SIGN

• Respiration is a vital sign because you can recognize illness
• And other medical conditions that need to brought to attention
• It helps doctors know whether a patient is fine or not.