Method Of Exam
Author: A. Chandrasekhar, MD
The patient should not be aware that you are counting his respiratory rate. Count the respiratory rate while pretending to take the patient's pulse.
Note the rate, pattern and comfort of respiration.
Normal:
Resting rate is between 10-14 per minute, regular with no apparent discomfort..
Chest wall and abdomen expand during inspiration and is symmetrical.
Abdominal component of expansion is dominant in men and thoracic component in women.
Periodic deep breathing (Sighs) less tha 5 per minute.