What should you look for in "breathing characteristics" during a vital signs check?

During a vital signs check, assessing "breathing characteristics" involves evaluating the rate, rhythm, and quality of breathing as these elements provide critical information about a person's respiratory status.

The rate refers to how many breaths a person takes per minute; this can indicate whether a person is experiencing normal, rapid, or slow breathing, which may signal different medical conditions. The rhythm pertains to the regularity of breaths—whether they are even or irregular—which can reveal potential problems in respiratory function. Lastly, the quality of breathing reflects how effortless or labored it is, which can indicate distress or respiratory compromise.

These three characteristics together help to form a comprehensive understanding of a person's respiratory health, enabling first responders to identify issues that may require immediate attention or intervention.