Final answer:
The respiration characteristics in the patient record include the rate and tidal volume, which are critical for assessing alveolar ventilation and detecting abnormalities in respiratory function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The respiration characteristics that are noted in the patient record include the rate and tidal volume. Tidal volume refers to the volume of air per breath that moves in and out of the lungs during a respiratory cycle. It is one of the essential metrics along with respiratory rate, which is the total number of breaths per minute. Together, they help in assessing the alveolar ventilation, which is critical for preventing carbon dioxide buildup in the alveoli. Factors such as changes in carbon dioxide, oxygen, and pH levels in the blood can affect the rate and depth of respiration, and these are sensed by the respiratory centers in the medulla oblongata and pons of the brain.
When assessing respiratory function, healthcare providers observe variations in the respiratory rate and the tidal volume to detect abnormalities or responses to illnesses or disease conditions. For instance, respiratory rate may increase while tidal volume decreases during shallow breathing, and this might occur in cases of high ventilation demand.