Ineffective Breathing Pattern

Nursing Diagnosis : Ineffective Breathing Pattern


NANDA Definition : Inspiration and/or expiration that does not provide adequate ventilation

Respiratory pattern monitoring addresses the patient’s ventilatory pattern, rate, and depth. Most acute pulmonary deterioration is preceded by a change in breathing pattern. Respiratory failure can be seen with a change in respiratory rate, change in normal abdominal and thoracic patterns for inspiration and expiration, change in depth of ventilation (Vt), and respiratory alternans. Breathing pattern changes may occur in a multitude of cases from hypoxia, heart failure, diaphragmatic paralysis, airway obstruction, infection, neuromuscular impairment, trauma or surgery resulting in musculoskeletal impairment and/or pain, cognitive impairment and anxiety, metabolic abnormalities (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA], uremia, or thyroid dysfunction), peritonitis, drug overdose, and pleural inflammation.


Characteristics :
  • Dyspnea
  • Cyanosis
  • Tachypnea
  • Cough
  • Fremitus
  • Respiratory depth changes
  • Nasal flaring
  • Use of accessory muscles
  • Altered chest excursion
  • Pursed-lip breathing or prolonged expiratory phase
  • Increased anteroposterior chest diameter

Related Factors:
  • Hypoxia
  • Inflammatory process: viral or bacterial
  • Musculoskeletal impairment
  • Neuromuscular impairment
  • Pain
  • Anxiety
  • Tracheobronchial obstruction
  • Decreased energy and fatigue
  • Perception or cognitive impairment
  • Decreased lung expansion

Expected Outcomes : Patient’s breathing pattern is maintained as evidenced by eupnea, normal skin color, and regular respiratory rate/pattern.

NOC Outcomes :
Suggested NOC Labels
  • Respiratory Status: Ventilation
  • Vital Sign Status

NIC Interventions :
Suggested NIC Labels
  • Airway Management
  • Respiratory Monitoring