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Vital Signs

Counts and Records Respirations

Keep your fingers on the resident's wrist AS IF you are still counting the pulse. Without telling the resident, watch the chest rise and fall. One rise-fall cycle = one respiration. Count for a full 60 seconds.

2-3 minutes•10 steps•1 critical
Keep your hand on the wrist. Watch the chest. Don't tell the resident.

Why this matters

Keep your hand on the wrist. Watch the chest. Don't tell the resident.

Quick tips

  • One rise and fall of the chest is one breath.
  • Count for one full minute.
  • The exam asks you to explain; in real care you may not announce that you are counting breaths.

Common mistakes

  • Counting the rise and the fall as two breaths, which doubles the rate and fails the tolerance.
  • Counting for half a minute and doubling.
  • Talking to the client while counting, which can change the breathing; ask them to stay quiet.
  • Forgetting to wash hands before recording or to place the signaling device.