Which parameter is NOT typically included when assessing a patient's breathing?

• A. Rate
• B. Depth
• C. Blood pressure
• D. Use of accessory muscles

Answer: (C)

Breathing assessment focuses on how air is moving in and out of the lungs. You look at how fast the person is breathing (rate), how large each breath is (depth or tidal volume), and how hard they are working to breathe (effort, often shown by use of accessory muscles like the neck and intercostals). These elements directly reflect ventilatory status.

Blood pressure, while essential for overall stability and perfusion, is a cardiovascular measurement and does not describe the mechanics of ventilation. It may change during illness, but it doesn’t quantify how the patient is ventilating, so it’s not typically included in breathing assessments.