Which term indicates a breathing rate slower than normal?

Which term indicates a breathing rate slower than normal?

• A. Dyspnea
• B. Tachypnea
• C. Bradypnea
• D. Peristalsis

Answer: (C)

Understanding how we name breathing rates helps you assess patient status quickly. Slower-than-normal breathing is called bradypnea. In adults, a normal respiratory rate is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute, so a rate below 12 is considered bradypnea. This term is distinct from tachypnea, which means rapid breathing, and dyspnea, which means difficulty or labored breathing. Peristalsis is the movement of food through the digestive system, not related to breathing. So the term that indicates a slower-than-normal breathing rate is bradypnea.

Understanding how we name breathing rates helps you assess patient status quickly. Slower-than-normal breathing is called bradypnea. In adults, a normal respiratory rate is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute, so a rate below 12 is considered bradypnea. This term is distinct from tachypnea, which means rapid breathing, and dyspnea, which means difficulty or labored breathing. Peristalsis is the movement of food through the digestive system, not related to breathing. So the term that indicates a slower-than-normal breathing rate is bradypnea.