What is the term for a respiration rate greater than 40 per minute?

Tachypnea refers to an increased respiration rate, typically defined as greater than 20 breaths per minute in adults. Therefore, a respiration rate greater than 40 per minute clearly falls under this definition. It's important to note that increased respiration rates can indicate various physiological responses, such as stress, fever, or underlying medical conditions, where the body is working harder to meet oxygen demands.

In contrast, bradypnea signifies a slower than normal respiratory rate, while apnea refers to a complete cessation of breathing for a period. Hypopnea indicates shallow or decreased breathing, which can also be a sign of respiratory distress but does not specifically indicate a high rate of respiration. Understanding these terms is crucial for accurately assessing a patient's respiratory status.