13.10 : 通气评估：呼吸频率

Assessing ventilation plays a vital role in monitoring the health status of patients.

Changes in respiration could signify serious health issues, such as brainstem injury from head trauma.

The respiratory rate is a critical component of ventilation assessment, involving the count of complete inspiration and expiration.

The patient must remain unaware of the monitoring procedure to obtain a precise respiratory rate. Being conscious of breath can impact both the rate and depth of respiration.

Respiratory rate is measured by counting the number of breaths per minute, evidenced by the rise and fall of the chest wall.

The average respiratory rate of an adult is 12-18 breaths per minute.

Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing, over 20 breaths per minute, whereas bradypnea refers to slow breathing, less than 12 breaths per minute.

Patients with a respiratory rate above 24 breaths per minute need regular observation. If the rate exceeds 27, immediate medical attention is necessary as it indicates possible cardiac arrest within 72 hours.

Respiratory rates less than eight also signal a need for urgent medical care.