How to count respirations?

I was taught to watch for respirations while taking the pulse. I was actually taught that you do not tell the patient that you are checking respirations because they may get self conscious and breath faster/slower, or more/less than they normally would. You take the pulse for 30 seconds then for the next 30 take respirations while pretending to still be checking the pulse.

As far as being able to recognize respirations, watch for any chest movement, listen for breath being inhaled or exhaled, and watch for the shoulders/stomach to rise and fall.
Good Luck on your test!

Today is my 3rd day of the CNA class and we went over how to count respirations. We were told not to tell the patient that we were counting respirations because they will focus on their breathing and they may not breath naturally. Also, my instructor said it is best not to stare @ the patients chest when counting respirations (especially if your a male CNA and have a female patient), that it may make them uncomfortable, and to find another way to count respirations like watching the shoulders.