Objective
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Respiratory Rate
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Purpose
Assessment of breathing frequency
Children of all ages
Assesment Type
Patient Group
Respiratory
Age Group
Infants (0-2 years) | Children (3-12 years) | Adolescents (13-17 years) | Young Adult (18+ years)
ICF domain
Body Structure & Function
Area of assessment
Respiratory Function
Key description
Description
An observational measure of breathing
Reliability / validity
Reliable Reliable measurement with minimal training needs
Normal ranges of heart rate and respiratory rate in children
Reliable measurement with minimal training needs
Normal ranges of heart rate and respiratory rate in children
from birth to 18 years: a systematic review of observational
studies Fleming et al (2011) The Lancet DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)62226-X
Strengths / weaknesses
Easy to do; minimal equipment needs
can also observe work of breathing at same time and review signs of respiratory distress
Harder to do on neonates/ infants
Cost
Free
Equipment required
Timer
Training required
N/A
Considerations & references
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324409
Time to complete
30 seconds
Comments
Easy to use
https://www.healthline.com/health/normal-respiratory-rate#normal-rate-in-adults
If you spot any errors or wish to suggest any amendments to this summary, please contact paediatricmeasures@apcp.org.uk