Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
14:49
Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting
Published on: April 8, 2022
Flash mob research: a single-day, multicenter, resident-directed study of respiratory rate
Matthew W Semler1, Daniel G Stover1, Andrew P Copland2
1Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN.
Chest
|December 1, 2012
Summary
Recorded respiratory rates in hospitalized patients are often inaccurate, with recorded values being higher than observed rates. This study highlights discrepancies in vital sign monitoring, impacting patient care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Clinical Observation
- Patient Monitoring
Background:
- Vital signs are crucial for hospitalized patients.
- Accuracy of recorded respiratory rates is uncertain.
- A novel flash mob approach was used to assess accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the accuracy of recorded respiratory rates in hospitalized patients.
- Compare directly observed respiratory rates with recorded values.
- Investigate discrepancies in vital sign documentation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study.
- Single-day, resident-led data collection.
- Directly observed vs. recorded vital signs in non-ICU, non-ventilated internal medicine patients across six US centers.
Main Results:
- Median recorded respiratory rate (18 breaths/min) was higher than observed (16 breaths/min).
- Recorded rates were significantly more likely to be 18 or 20 breaths/min (71.8%) compared to observed rates (13.0%).
- Lower agreement between recorded and observed respiratory rates than pulse rates was noted.
Conclusions:
- Recorded respiratory rates in hospitalized patients are higher than directly observed measurements.
- Recorded respiratory rates are frequently documented as 18 or 20 breaths/min.
- Discrepancies in respiratory rate recording may affect patient care.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
Assessment of Ventilation
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:19Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Assessing respiratory rate concurrently with pulse measurement is fundamental to patient care, providing valuable insights into the patient's respiratory function. The normal breathing rate for an adult usually falls within a normal range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Abnormal respiratory rates can signal underlying health conditions or the need for immediate intervention.
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory Depth
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:23Assessment of Respiration
The respiratory system's basic structures and primary functions lay the foundation for nurses' comprehensive respiratory assessments. This assessment includes subjective and objective data to gauge the patient's respiratory health.
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
01:26Respiratory 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...
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Respiratory assessment is a cornerstone of nursing assessments, crucial for the early detection of patient deterioration. This evaluation transcends routine procedures, representing a critical skill nurses must master to ensure optimal patient care.
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...