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🫁 Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI)

UseScreen readiness for a spontaneous breathing trial and extubation.

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SourceYang KL, Tobin MJ. A prospective study of indexes predicting outcome of trials of weaning. NEJM 1991

Runs locally in your browser (no PHI uploaded). For licensed clinicians — not a substitute for clinical judgement.
Stored on this device for revisit reminders

This-shift next steps

After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.

Scene next step
📋resp failureOpen scene pack →
Related scores
Matching pathway
🧭pe_dxOpen pathway →
Score + version; reference only — not a substitute for care · no HIS write

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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Clinical takeaway

Best measured during unsupported spontaneous breathing or after an SBT.

When to use

Screen readiness for a spontaneous breathing trial and extubation.

How it works

RSBI = respiratory rate ÷ tidal volume (L). < 105 predicts successful weaning/extubation (~ 80%); < 65 high readiness; > 105 high failure risk.

Key points

  • Best measured during unsupported spontaneous breathing or after an SBT.
  • More sensitive than specific.
  • Reflects only rate/volume — integrate with the overall picture.

References

Worked calculation

The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.

Respiratory rate (f)22 /min
Tidal volume (Vt)400 mL

→RSBI55breaths/min/L

  • RSBI：22 ÷ 0.4 L = 55 breaths/min/L (< 65: high weaning readiness)
  • Action：High likelihood of successful weaning; with the overall picture (oxygenation, airway protection, mentation, hemodynamics) proceed to a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT)/extubation
  • Note：RSBI = f / Vt (L); best measured during spontaneous breathing (no support, ~ 1 min) or after SBT. Sensitive but less specific (< 105 predicting success outperforms > 105 predicting failure); reflects only rate/volume, not inspiratory effort
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the limits and cautions when using Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI)?
For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
Does Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
How is Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
Inputs: Respiratory rate (f) 22 /min, Tidal volume (Vt) 400 mL → Result: RSBI 55 breaths/min/L（RSBI: 22 ÷ 0.4 L = 55 breaths/min/L (< 65: high weaning readiness), Action: High likelihood of successful weaning; with the overall picture (oxygenation, airway protection, mentation, hemodynamics) proceed to a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT)/extubation, Note: RSBI = f / Vt (L); best measured during spontaneous breathing (no support, ~ 1 min) or after SBT. Sensitive but less specific (< 105 predicting success outperforms > 105 predicting failure); reflects only rate/volume, not inspiratory effort）
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