Any tricks to taking the respirations

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I am in school for CNA, and doing clinicals right now at a nursing home, Is there any tricks to taking the respirations, I cant figure out whether to watch the stomach or chest. Thats is one part I am having trouble with.:bluecry1:

Our facility has thermometers that take a LONG time so I usually get resps while taking the temp. Makes it easier because they aren't as tempted to talk which makes it a little harder. I also count for 15 sec and multiply by 4, unless they have irregular resps or pulse in which case I take for a full minute

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I will tell you what I was told in class. For the TEST to get licensed, absolutely take the respiration rate for a full minute. Elderly people do not necessarily breathe in perfect rhythm so counting the respiration for 15 seconds and multiplying by 4, for example, may not give you an accurate record of their respiration rate.

In "real life" on the job, I think it is still most accurate to do it for a full minute. It does seem awkward to just stand their but I do think it gives you the best idea of their respiration rate.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I agree. Taking it for just 15 sec. is not long enough.Better to do it properly and get an accurate pulse.

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