Final answer:
A 16-year-old post-op patient with a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute, described as even and regular, is experiencing bradypnea, which is a slower-than-normal respiratory rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The respiratory rate you reported for the 16-year-old post-op scoliosis surgery patient is 10 breaths per minute, which is described as even and regular. This respiratory rate is below the normal range for a person of this age, which typically ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. The condition of having a slower-than-normal respiratory rate is called bradypnea. Therefore, you should report these results as bradypnea.
Apnea would indicate no breathing, tachypnea signifies a higher-than-normal breathing rate, and orthopnea is difficulty breathing when lying down, none of which describe the situation observed with the patient. Hence, none of these other options apply here. It is important in post-operative care to monitor the patient's breathing pattern closely, as abnormalities might signify underlying respiratory issues or complications arising from surgery and anesthesia.
A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute that is even and regular in a 16-year-old post-operative patient is categorized as bradypnea (option A).