Respiratory rates in emergency department patients

doi:10.1016/0736-4679(89)90257-6

The Journal of Emergency Medicine

Volume 7, Issue 2, March–April 1989, Pages 129-132

https://doi.org/10.1016/0736-4679(89)90257-6 Get rights and content

Abstract

The respiratory rate is a sensitive and nonspecific indicator of respiratory dysfunction. Establishing a “normal” respiratory rate has mainly been arbitrary. This study evaluated “normal” respiratory rates in 110 emergency department patients. The mean respiratory rate was 20.1 (±4.0). Women had a more rapid respiratory rate 20.9 (±3.9) than men 19.4 (±4.0) (p<.04). Smokers had a higher respiratory rate 20.5 (±4.0) than nonsmokers 19.3 (±4.0), but this was not statistically significant (P=0.124). It was also noted that the respiratory rate measured by the nurse was almost always different from that measured by the medical student (P<0.0001). Based on a review of the literature concerning what constitutes a “normal” respiratory rate, we conclude that the “normal” respiratory rate may be higher than that suggested in the medical literature.

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Original contributionRespiratory rates in emergency department patients

Abstract

Resp Physiol

Am J Med

Routine measurement of respiratory rate: an expensive tribute to tradition

JAMA

Respiratory rate as an indicator of acute respiratory dysfunction

JAMA

Raised respiratory rate in elderly patients: a valuable physical sign

Br Med J

Hippocrates

Approach to patient in emergency department

A guide to physical examination

Clinical examination: a textbook of physical diagnosis

Physical diagnosis

Physical diagnosis

Bedside diagnostic examination

The physiologic basis of medical practice

Original contribution
Respiratory rates in emergency department patients