What does tachypnea indicate about a person's respirations?

Tachypnea refers to an increased respiratory rate, indicating that a person is breathing more rapidly than normal. Typically, a normal adult respiratory rate ranges from about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. When someone is experiencing tachypnea, their respiratory rate exceeds this range, which can be a response to various conditions such as fever, anxiety, or respiratory distress. The term itself derives from Greek, where "tachy" means fast and "pnea" pertains to breathing. Understanding tachypnea is crucial in clinical settings, as it can signify underlying issues that may require medical attention.