Part of Lesson Plan: Vital Signs

Activity Overview / Details

Show transparency on the Respiratory System.

Explain the role and function of the respiratory system

Respiration means breathing air into (inhalation) and out of ( exhalation) the lungs.

Normal respiratory rates:

Adult  12 - 20 respirations per minute

Children  18 - 28 respirations per minute

Infants  24 - 35 respirations per minute

Count respirations when the patient is at rest.

1. The patient should not know you are counting respirations
2. To count respirations watch the chest rise and fall
3. Respirations are counted right after taking a pulse

Show video on how to obtain respirations on a patient

Have students practice taking respirations on their partner. Discuss results

Explain respiratory terms on vital signs vocabulary handout:

• apnea
• dyspnea
• orthopnea
• tachypnea
• bradypnea
• Cheyne-Stokes
• hyperventilation