American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What respiratory rate signifies tachypnea in the context of qSOFA assessment?

1. Less than 15 breaths per minute

2. 18 breaths per minute

3. Greater than or equal to 22 breaths per minute

4. 20 breaths per minute

The correct answer is: Greater than or equal to 22 breaths per minute

Tachypnea is defined as an elevated respiratory rate, and in the context of the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), a respiratory rate of greater than or equal to 22 breaths per minute is a critical threshold. This criterion is included as part of the qSOFA scoring, which helps to identify patients who may be at risk for sepsis outside of the intensive care unit setting. When the respiratory rate reaches 22 breaths per minute or more, it indicates that the body may be under distress, often as a compensatory response to various conditions, such as infection or respiratory failure. This elevation in respiratory rate is an essential clinical marker that can signal the need for further evaluation and potential intervention. In contrast, rates below 22 breaths per minute, such as 15, 18, or even 20 breaths per minute, do not meet the threshold for tachypnea as described in the qSOFA assessment, as they fall within what is often considered a normal range for adults at rest. Therefore, only a respiratory rate of 22 or higher is indicative of possible clinical deterioration that warrants further attention.