Which term describes an increased breathing rate?

Which term describes an increased breathing rate?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Bradypnea
• C. Apnea
• D. Hyperpnea

Answer: (A)

A rapid respiratory rate is described as tachypnea. This term specifically means breathing faster than normal, and it’s used to describe the frequency of breaths rather than the depth. It helps distinguish from hyperpnea, which involves both faster and deeper breathing to meet higher metabolic needs (like during exercise). Bradypnea is a slower-than-normal rate, and apnea is the absence of breathing. So when the finding is an increased rate, tachypnea fits best.

A rapid respiratory rate is described as tachypnea. This term specifically means breathing faster than normal, and it’s used to describe the frequency of breaths rather than the depth. It helps distinguish from hyperpnea, which involves both faster and deeper breathing to meet higher metabolic needs (like during exercise). Bradypnea is a slower-than-normal rate, and apnea is the absence of breathing. So when the finding is an increased rate, tachypnea fits best.