1. Gather Supplies: Watch or clock with a second hand
2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
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- Knock on the client’s door.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
- Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
- Provide for privacy.
- Explain the procedure to the client.
3. Procedure Steps:
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- Count respirations for 60 seconds.
4. Post-Procedure Steps:
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- Check on resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
- Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
- Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
- Open the door and privacy curtain.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Document respiratory rate and report abnormal findings to the nurse.
View a YouTube video[1] of an instructor demonstration of obtaining respirations:
View a YouTube video[2] of an instructor demonstrating obtaining temperature, pulse, and respirations in a sequential procedure:
- Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Obtaining Respirations. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/yljzSZHqbq8 ↵
- Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Obtaining Temperature, Pulse, and Respirations. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/_NRc4zEYrNI ↵