Heart Rate and Respiratory RateHeart rate is a measure of how frequent the heart beats per unit time (units: beats per minute [BPM]). In a rested state, heart rate (HR) will be between 60 – 80 BPM. A resting HR below 60 BPM is labeled as bradycardia, while a resting HR above 100 BPM is referred to as tachycardia.
HR is influenced by thelevel of exertion of someone and changes to meet the demands being placed on the body. Additionally, respiratory rate (RR) is an important vital sign that can give insight on how well or poor the respiratory system is functioning.
Along with heart rate, respiratory rate changes based on various stimuli or stressors (i.e. exercise). Respiratory rate can be considered normal, low (hypoventilation) or high (hyperventilation). Normal resting respiratory rate is considered 12 and 20 breaths per minute.
Part 1: Procedures Prior to completing this section please review the following videos.
1.In your own words please provide a description of the procedures when talking a radial pulse. Be sure to describe body position, important landmarks, what to observe and important things you would need to say to the patient you are working with
