Which term describes a patient with a respiration rate of 5 breaths per minute?

The term that accurately describes a patient with a respiration rate of 5 breaths per minute is bradypnea. Bradypnea refers to slower than normal breathing, typically defined as a respiratory rate less than 12 breaths per minute for an adult. A rate of 5 breaths per minute is significantly below the normal range and indicates an abnormal reduction in respiratory effort, which can have serious implications for oxygenation and overall respiratory function.

Understanding the context of respiration rates is crucial. Normal respiration rates typically range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute for adults, while tachypnea would indicate an increased respiratory rate above this normal range. Hypoxemia refers to low levels of oxygen in the blood, which may be a concern in the context of bradypnea but is a separate condition. Apnea, on the other hand, describes a complete cessation of breathing, which is not the case here since the patient still has a measurable but low respiratory rate. Therefore, bradypnea is the appropriate term that connects directly to the described respiratory rate of 5 breaths per minute.