Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
Published on: February 9, 2022
Mild, moderate, and severe intensity cut-points for the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale
Margaret L Campbell1, Katherine K Kero1, Thomas N Templin1
1Wayne State University, College of Nursing, 5557 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
Background:
The Respiratory Distress Observation Scale© (RDOS) is a means for assessing respiratory distress when a patient is unable to give a dyspnea self-report. Cut-point determination was needed to guide clinical application.
Method:
A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted in a prospective, observation study with inpatients ranked by nurse practitioners (NP) into levels of respiratory distress. A research assistant simultaneously measured RDOS blinded to NP ranking.
Results:
Participants were 84 adults: mean age of 72.6 (SD = 15.2) years, 53.6% male, 77.4% African-American. NP ranking was distributed: none (30%), mild (26%), moderate (31%), and severe (13%) distress. RDOS scores ranged 0-13 (M = 4.8, SD = 3). NP ranking was significantly correlated with RDOS (rho = .91, p < .01). ROC curve analyses yielded cut-points: none = 0-2, any = 3, mild-moderate = 4-6, and severe ≥7 (p < .01).
Conclusions:
Intensity cut-point enhances the clinical utility of the RDOS.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
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:
Assessment of Respiration
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...
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
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...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

