Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
Published on: February 9, 2022
Validity of the numeric rating scale as a measure of dyspnea
1Center for Nursing Research, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
Background:
Dyspnea, a devastating sign, is rarely monitored by clinicians. One reason may be the lack of a valid measurement scale that is easy to use in a clinical setting.
Objectives:
To establish the validity of the numeric rating scale as a measure of present dyspnea (dyspnea at rest).
Methods:
A total of 188 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rated their present dyspnea by using the Visual Analog Dyspnea Scale and the numeric rating scale. They also rated their usual dyspnea (dyspnea during the past week). Demographic information was collected from each patient's chart, and pulmonary status was assessed with portable spirometry, pulse oximetry, or both.
Results:
Concurrent validity of the numeric rating scale was supported by the high correlation of its scores with scores from the Visual Analog Dyspnea Scale. Conversion of the numeric rating scale to a 0-to-100 scale and comparison with the visual analog scale (by using a paired t test to determine if the correlated scores were similar for clinical decision making) showed that scores were not significantly different. A paired t test showed a difference in scores on the numeric rating scale obtained before and after ambulation, supporting the construct validity of the numeric rating scale. Scores on the numeric rating scale for present dyspnea were poorly correlated with ratings of usual dyspnea, indicating that present dyspnea and usual dyspnea are different constructs.
Conclusion:
Present and usual dyspnea are different constructs. The numeric rating scale is a valid measure of present dyspnea.
Related Concept Videos
00:55Ordinal Level of Measurement
Data measured using an ordinal scale are similar to nominal scale data, but there is one major difference. The ordinal scale data can be ordered. An example of ordinal scale data is a list of the top five national parks in the...
01:20Assessment 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:
01:26Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I
01:19Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
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 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: