labored, difficult, deep or shallow describe

regular or irregular describe

A normal range of respirations for an adult is

In infants the respiratory rate could be

In children the respiratory rates are typically

difficult or labored breathing

rapid breathing

extreme difficult breathing in any position other than sitting erect or standing

a dusky, bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and/or nail beds as a result of decreased oxygen and increased carbon dioxide in the bloodstream

difficult breathing with a high-pitched whistling or sighing sound during expiration; caused by a narrowing of bronchioles (as seen in asthma) and/or an obstruction or mucus accumulation in the bronchi

bubbling, crackling, or noisy sounds caused by fluids or mucus in the air passages

abnormal breathing pattern characterized by periods of dyspnea followed by periods of apnea; frequently noted in the dying patient

Because respirations are partially under voluntary control, patients may breathe more quickly or more slowly when they become aware of the fact that respirations are being counted

Respirations must be counted in such a way that the patient is aware of the procedure.

In order to get an accurate respiratory rate, leave your hand on the pulse site while counting respirations. The patient will think you are still counting pulse.