A patient presents with a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute. How would the nurse document this finding?

Rationale: A. This term describes a slower-than-normal respiratory rate. In adults, bradypnea is usually defined as fewer than 12 breaths per minute. Bradypnea can be caused by factors such as drug overdose (especially opioids or sedatives), head injury affecting the respiratory center, hypothyroidism, or severe hypothermia. In this scenario, the patient’s respiratory rate is 28 breaths per minute, which is well above the normal adult range of 12–20 breaths per minute. Therefore, bradypnea is incorrect. B. Tachycardia refers to an elevated heart rate, generally defined as a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute in adults. It is important not to confuse heart rate terminology with respiratory rate terminology. Since this scenario only provides information about the patient’s breathing, not heart rate, tachycardia is not applicable. C. Tachypnea is an abnormally rapid respiratory rate, typically defined as greater than 20 breaths per minute in adults. The patient’s rate of 28 breaths per minute falls clearly into this category. Tachypnea can result from a variety of conditions, including fever, anxiety, pain, hypoxia, pulmonary diseases (like asthma, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism), metabolic acidosis (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis), or heart failure. Accurately documenting tachypnea is essential, as it is an early indicator of respiratory distress or systemic illness and can guide further assessment and interventions, such as oxygen therapy, monitoring oxygen saturation, or evaluating for underlying causes. D. Apnea is the complete absence of respirations. It may occur in conditions such as respiratory arrest, severe sleep apnea, or central nervous system depression. Since the patient is actively breathing at a rate of 28, apnea is clearly incorrect.