Definition:

Tachypnea is the medical term for an increase in the rate of respiration. The normal

respiratory rate is between 12 to 20 for adults. Anything over that is considered

tachypnea.

Also known as rapid breathing, tachypnea is common in people who

have emphysema, are trying to "blow off" excess carbon dioxide which is a waste

product of metabolism which has built up in their blood due to inadequate expulsion

of inhaled air.

Tachypnea is commonly associated with dyspnoea, or shortness of breath and are

common symptoms of emphysema (COPD)

Tachypnea (WHO)

i. New-born to 2 months old: 60 breaths per minute

ii. Infant 2 months old to 1 year old: 50 breaths per minute

iii. Preschool Children 1 year old to 5 years old: 40 …show more content…
Risk factors of tachypnea are decreased SPO2, respiratory arrest, severe

anxiety, hypovolaemic shock.

Nursing interventions for Tachypnea:

1. Assess respiratory quality, rate, depth, effort and pattern.

Rationale: Flaring of the nostrils, tachypnea are signs of severe distress that require

immediate intervention.

2. Assess for mental status changes.

Rationale: Confusion, restlessness can be early signs of cerebral hypoxia.

3. Administer supplemental oxygen

Rationale: Early supplemental oxygen is essential in all trauma patients since early

mortality is associated with inadequate delivery of oxygenated blood to the brain and

vital organs.

4. Position patient in a semi-fowler’s position.

Rationale: promotes better lung expansion and improved gas exchange.

5. Assess changes in vital signs

Rationale: Tachycardia and hypertension occur with increasing work of breathing.

The types of respiratory disease are asthma, allergies, COPD, emphysema,

lung cancer, sinusitis.

Factors contributing to one having tachypnea are chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease, asthma, and or heart attack, stress and