2-8
2-8. RESPIRATIONS
a. The normal resting adult breathes 16-20 times per minute. Except for an occasional deeper breath (sigh), breathing is maintained at a fairly regular rate, rhythm, and depth. Any disease or injury that affects the respiratory system, the chest wall, or the oxygen carrying ability of the blood will usually affect the respiratory rate or the effort required to breathe. If breathing movements are painful, breathing may become irregular or the patient may be reluctant to take a breath of sufficient depth to aerate the lungs.
b. When observing a patient's respirations, the following should be noted.
(1) Rate. The number of breathes per minute.
(2) Rhythm. The pattern or regularity of the breathing.
(3) Depth. Shallow or deep inspiration.
