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Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I01:26

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

Assessing the respiratory rate and rhythm for a complete minute is crucial for evaluating the breathing pattern. Even a minor increase in the patient's average respiratory rate, by as little as three to five breaths per minute, is an early and vital indicator of respiratory distress. Patients with a respiratory rate exceeding twenty-four breaths per minute require close monitoring to determine the physiological alterations. This careful observation is essential for prompt recognition and...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion01:30

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion

Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation01:25

Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation refers to a higher-than-normal rate and depth of breathing, often associated with anxiety attacks. This excessive breathing surpasses the body's need to expel CO2, leading to a condition known as hypocapnia - an unusually low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypocapnia can constrict cerebral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which may result in dizziness or fainting. Early signs include tingling and muscle spasms in the hands and face, caused by falling...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet cell...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection01:27

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method
08:44

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method

Published on: February 2, 2024

Dyspnea.

Margaret L Campbell1

  • 1Detroit Receiving Hospital, College of Nursing, Wayne State University, 18925 Birchcrest, Detroit, MI 48221, USA. m.campbell@wayne.edu

AACN Advanced Critical Care
|August 3, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Dyspnea, a distressing symptom of pulmonary issues, requires careful nursing assessment and management. This article offers an evidence-based guide for nurses to effectively assess and treat patients experiencing dyspnea.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Critical Care Nursing

Background:

  • Dyspnea is a prevalent, distressing symptom indicating pulmonary dysregulation and often signaling respiratory failure.
  • Assessing dyspnea is challenging in cognitively impaired ICU patients, necessitating behavioral evaluation.
  • Effective dyspnea management is crucial for patient outcomes and preventing hospitalization or ICU admission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an evidence-based approach to nursing assessment of dyspnea.
  • To outline effective management strategies for dyspnea in various clinical settings.
  • To guide nurses in recognizing and addressing the multidimensional nature of dyspnea.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current evidence on dyspnea assessment and management.
  • Analysis of conventional and emerging treatment modalities for dyspnea.

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Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Last Updated: May 30, 2026

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method
08:44

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method

Published on: February 2, 2024

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
07:10

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 24, 2019

  • Focus on nursing interventions and patient-centered care.

    • Main Results:

    • Dyspnea assessment requires considering patient self-report and behavioral cues, especially in non-communicative patients.
    • Conventional treatments include addressing the cause, ventilation, oxygen, activity balance, and positioning.
    • Pharmacological interventions like opioids, benzodiazepines, and investigational inhaled furosemide aid in symptom relief and ventilator synchrony.

    Conclusions:

    • Comprehensive nursing assessment is key to understanding and managing dyspnea.
    • A multimodal treatment approach, combining non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods, is essential.
    • Nurses play a vital role in optimizing patient comfort and outcomes during dyspnea exacerbations.