Respiratory Reference

Quick-reference material for licensed nurses and students. Values are drawn from commonly cited clinical guidelines and nursing references — always verify against your facility protocols. About our editorial standards · Report a correction

Oxygen Delivery Devices

Device Flow Rate (L/min) FiO2 (%)
Nasal Cannula 1–6 24–44
Simple Mask 5–8 40–60
Venturi Mask 4–12 24–50
Non-Rebreather 10–15 80–95
High-Flow Nasal Cannula Up to 60 Variable
CPAP — Variable
BiPAP — Variable

Normal Respiratory Values

Parameter Normal
Tidal Volume 500 mL
Minute Ventilation 6–8 L/min
Vital Capacity ~4–5 L (adult)
FRC (Functional Residual Capacity) ~2.5 L
Dead Space ~150 mL
RR (Respiratory Rate) 12–20 breaths/min

Breath Sounds

Sound Location Description Associated With
Vesicular Peripheral lung fields Soft, low-pitched; inspiration > expiration Normal
Bronchovesicular Between scapulae, sternum Medium pitch; equal inspiration/expiration Normal
Bronchial Over trachea Loud, high-pitched; expiration > inspiration Consolidation if over lung
Crackles (fine) Bases High-pitched; popping; end inspiration Pulmonary edema, fibrosis
Crackles (coarse) Bases Low-pitched; bubbling Secretions, pneumonia
Wheezes Diffuse or localized High-pitched; musical; expiration Asthma, bronchospasm
Rhonchi Large airways Low-pitched; snoring; may clear with cough Secretions
Stridor Upper airway High-pitched; inspiration Airway obstruction
Pleural friction rub Lateral chest Grating; inspiration and expiration Pleuritis

Ventilator Settings

Mode Description
AC (Assist-Control) Machine delivers set volume/rate; patient can trigger additional breaths
SIMV Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation; allows spontaneous breaths between mandatory
PSV Pressure support ventilation; patient triggers; machine assists with pressure
CPAP Continuous positive airway pressure; spontaneous breathing with constant pressure
PEEP Positive end-expiratory pressure; maintains alveolar recruitment

Key parameters: FiO2, Tidal Volume, Rate, PEEP, I:E ratio

Chest Tubes

Placement: Pleural space (for pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion)

Drainage types: Serous (clear, pale yellow), Sanguineous (bloody), Serosanguineous (pink-tinged)

Troubleshooting: Air leak (check connections, bubbling in water seal); Dependent loops (keep tubing above chest level); Clamping (avoid unless ordered; risk of tension pneumothorax)

Expected drainage: 100–200 mL/hr first few hours post-op; decreasing over 24–48 hours; notify if >200 mL/hr or sudden increase

Suctioning

Type Catheter Size Duration Key Points
Oropharyngeal Yankauer (rigid) As needed Mouth only; avoid gag reflex; no suction during insertion
Nasopharyngeal 12–18 Fr (adult) 10–15 seconds Lubricate; measure ear to nose; intermittent suction
Endotracheal ½ inner diameter of ETT 10–15 seconds max Pre-oxygenate; sterile; no suction during insertion; limit passes

References

Public respiratory care and oxygen therapy references.

Medical Disclaimer

The content on this page is provided for educational and quick-reference purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional clinical judgment, your facility's protocols, or the guidance of a qualified licensed healthcare provider. Always verify dosages, reference ranges, and protocols against current evidence-based clinical guidelines and institutional policy before providing care. rnref.com makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information and is not liable for clinical decisions made based on it. See our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Accessibility Statement.