A hospital monitor displays a patient’s physiological state, showing information that helps medical staff track recovery and identify potential issues. The flashing numbers and scrolling lines represent vital signs, which are fundamental indicators of life. Among these readouts, “RESP” measures the patient’s breathing, providing immediate insight into lung function and overall stability. Monitoring this sign is standard practice, as it quickly reflects how well the body performs the basic function of gas exchange.
What “RESP” Represents
The abbreviation “RESP” stands for Respiratory Rate, which measures the number of breaths a person takes within one minute. A single breath consists of a complete cycle of inhalation and exhalation. This numerical value directly indicates respiratory effort and efficiency, reflecting the body’s ability to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.
The respiratory system maintains a precise balance of gases in the blood. If the rate is too fast or too slow, it signals that the body is struggling to manage oxygen supply or carbon dioxide waste. The respiratory rate is monitored alongside other vital signs, like heart rate and oxygen saturation, to provide a complete picture of the patient’s physiological status.
How Respiratory Rate is Monitored Electronically
Hospital monitors calculate the respiratory rate using impedance pneumography, which measures the electrical resistance across the chest. This process uses the same electrodes placed on the chest for monitoring the heart’s electrical activity. A small electrical current is passed between two electrode pads.
As a person inhales, the lungs fill with air, and the chest cavity expands, increasing the volume of non-conductive air between the electrodes. This expansion causes a measurable increase in electrical resistance, or impedance, detected by the monitor. Conversely, when the person exhales, the chest volume decreases, and the impedance drops.
The monitor continuously tracks these rhythmic changes in electrical resistance, which correspond directly to the cycles of breathing. An internal algorithm processes this signal, counting the number of resistance peaks and valleys occurring each minute. This automated count translates into the “RESP” number displayed on the screen, often accompanied by a visual respiratory waveform.
Interpreting the Respiratory Rate
For a resting adult, a respiratory rate between 12 to 20 breaths per minute is considered normal. This range indicates efficient gas exchange without undue effort. This number is always interpreted within the context of the patient’s overall condition and other vital signs.
Tachypnea (Rapid Breathing)
A rate consistently higher than 20 breaths per minute is called tachypnea, indicating rapid breathing. This increase can be a response to anxiety, fever, or physical exertion. However, it can also signal underlying issues such as pneumonia, asthma, or conditions where the body struggles to get enough oxygen. The body speeds up breathing to compensate for low oxygen or high carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Bradypnea (Slow Breathing)
Conversely, a respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute is known as bradypnea, signaling abnormally slow breathing. This lower rate may occur due to the effects of certain medications, such as opioids, or conditions affecting the central nervous system. Bradypnea can also be seen in cases of extreme fatigue or respiratory muscle exhaustion.
Temporary fluctuations can be caused by non-alarming factors, such as speaking, repositioning, or a brief moment of anxiety. Medical staff focus on trends and sustained deviations rather than a single reading. An abnormal respiratory rate is an early warning sign that prompts a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s respiratory function.