Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate IV · Physiology · 02

Respiratory system

A healthy adult breathes 12-20 times a minute, and children breathe faster. The medulla sets the rate mainly in response to carbon dioxide in the blood, and normal oxygen saturation is about 95-100%. Patients with COPD may depend on low oxygen to drive their breathing, so seat them upright and give oxygen only at a low flow.

High-yield facts · 4

  1. Normal adult respiratory rate is 12-20 breaths per minute; children are faster.S49
  2. The medulla oblongata controls breathing rate mainly in response to blood CO2.S49
  3. Normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) is about 95-100%.S49
  4. COPD patients may rely on low oxygen as a breathing drive; give oxygen cautiously (low flow) and seat them upright.T8

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