SOLDIER'S MANUAL AND TRAINER'S GUIDE - Fort Drum

STP 8-91W15-SM-TG
CHAPTER 3
MOS/Skill Level Tasks
Skill Level 1
Subject Area 1: Vital Signs
MEASURE A PATIENT'S RESPIRATIONS
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Conditions: Necessary materials and equipment: a watch and appropriate forms.
Standards: Counted a patient's respirations for 1 full minute. Identified any abnormalities in
respiration rate, depth, rhythm, pattern, and quality.
Performance Steps
1. Count the number of times the chest rises in 1 minute. Normal respirations for each age
group are as follows:
NOTE: The patient should not be aware that respirations are being counted. If the patient is
aware, he or she often becomes tense, and an accurate count becomes extremely difficult.
a. Adult and adolescent (11-14 years old) = 12-20.
b. School age (6-10 years old) = 15-30.
c. Preschooler (3-5 years old) = 20-30.
d. Toddler (1-3 years old) = 20-30.
e. Infant (6-12 months old) = 20-30.
f. Infant (0-5 months old) = 25-40.
g. Newborn = 30-50.
2. Evaluate the respirations.
a. Depth.
(1) Normal--deep, even movement of the chest.
(2) Shallow--minimal rise and fall of the chest and abdomen.
(3) Deep--the rib cage expands fully, and the diaphragm descends to create a
maximum capacity.
b. Rhythm and pattern.
(1) Healthy--exhalations are twice as long as inhalations.
(2) Irregular.
(3) Hypoventilation--slow and shallow respirations.
(4) Hyperventilation--sustained increased rate and depth of respiration.
(5) Sigh--deep inhalation followed by a slow audible exhalation.
(6) Apnea--temporary absence of breathing.
(7) Tachypnea--increased respiration rate, usually 24 or more breaths per minute.
c. Quality.
(1) Normal--effortless, automatic, regular rate, even depth, noiseless, and free of
discomfort.
(2) Dyspnea--difficult or labored breathing.
(3) Wheezing or whistling sound.
(4) Rattling or bubbling.
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