Chapter 13: Vital Signs: Respiration

Back to chapter

13.11:

Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm

JoVE Core
Nursing

É necessária uma assinatura da JoVE para visualizar este conteúdo. Faça login ou comece sua avaliação gratuita.

JoVE Core Nursing

Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm

Vídeo Anterior
13.9: Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

Próximo Vídeo
13.12: Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion

Idiomas

COMPARTILHAR

English العربية 中文 Nederlands français Deutsch עברית italiano 日本語 한국어 português русский español Türkçe

Respiratory depth is the measure of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. The depth of respiration can be observed by looking at the chest's movement, varying from shallow to deep. Shallow breaths are harder to notice, with only a tiny amount of air passing through the lungs. While deep respiration involves full lung expansion and complete exhalation, enabling increased air intake. Respiratory depth can be described using terms such as apnea, dyspnea, and orthopnea. Respiratory rhythm is the breathing pattern, including the timing, regularity, and effort of breaths. The rhythm of respiration can be identified by observing movements in the chest or abdomen. Diaphragmatic breathing occurs as the diaphragm contracts and relaxes, best observed by watching the stomach. Women typically use thoracic muscles for breathing, observable through upper chest movements. Labored respirations involve the accessory muscles of respiration, visible in the neck. If a foreign object blocks airflow in and out of the lungs, the intercostal spaces retract during inhalation. A prolonged expiration phase indicates obstructed outward airflow, commonly observed in conditions like asthma.

13.11:

Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm

Respiratory Depth

Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.

To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:

• Deep Respiration: Involves full lung expansion and complete exhalation, significantly increasing air intake.
• Shallow Respiration: Characterized by minimal air passage through the lungs, making it less noticeable.

Specific clinical terms related to respiratory depth include:

• Apnea: A cessation of breathing that, if sustained beyond 4 to 6 minutes, can lead to brain damage or death.
• Dyspnea: Difficult or labored breathing, often rapid and shallow, where the patient may appear anxious. Dyspneic individuals usually find breathing easier when sitting upright, a condition known as orthopnea.

Respiratory Rhythm

Respiratory rhythm refers to the pattern of breathing, encompassing timing, regularity, and effort:

• Diaphragmatic Breathing: Characterized by the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm, this type of breathing is often seen in healthy men and children and is best observed by watching abdominal movements.
• Thoracic Breathing: More common in women, this involves using thoracic muscles and is visible through movements in the upper chest.

Labored respirations may involve the use of accessory muscles in the neck. Signs of obstructed air movement, such as foreign body interference, include:

• Retraction of Intercostal Spaces: Visible during inspiration when air movement is restricted.
• Prolonged Exhalation is typical in conditions like COPD or asthma, where there is an obstruction to the outward flow of air.

Conclusion

Assessing the depth and rhythm of a patient's respiration is not just about identifying potential issues early. It's about tailoring interventions accordingly, ensuring that changes in respiratory patterns are promptly addressed. This thorough approach enhances patient care and outcomes and is a testament to your commitment to professional development and patient well-being.