Ineffective Breathing Pattern 43
Defi nition
Inspiration and/or expiration that does not provide adequate ventilation
Assessment
• History of respiratory disorder
• Respiratory status, including rate and depth of respiration, symmetry of chest expansion,
use of accessory muscles, presence of cough, anterior-posterior chest diameter, palpation
for fremitus, percussion of lung fi elds, auscultation of breath sounds, and pulmonary
function studies
• Cardiovascular status, including heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, and skin color,
temperature, and turgor
• Neurologic and mental status, including level of consciousness and emotional
level
• Knowledge, including current understanding of physical condition and physical, mental,
and emotional readiness to learn
Defi ning Characteristics
• Accessory muscle use
• Altered chest excursion
• Altered respiratory rate or depth or both
• Assumption of three-point position
• Decreased inspiratory or expiratory pressure
• Decreased minute ventilation
• Decreased vital capacity
• Decreased tidal volume (adult tidal volume 500 ml at rest)
• Dyspnea
• Increased anterior-posterior diameter
• Nasal fl aring
• Orthopnea
• Prolonged expiration phase
• Pursed-lip breathing
• Shortness of breath
Expected Outcomes
• Patient’s respiratory rate will stay within 5 breaths/minute of baseline.
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) levels will return to baseline.
• Patient will report feeling comfortable when breathing.
• Patient will report feeling rested each day.
• Patient will demonstrate diaphragmatic pursed-lip breathing.
• Patient will achieve maximum lung expansion with adequate ventilation.
• Patient will demonstrate skill in conserving energy while carrying out activities of daily
living (ADLs).
INEFFECTIVE BREATHING PATTERN
related to respiratory muscle fatigue
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