| Preparation |
| Clinical standards for procedures and interventions. |
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| Assessment |
| Ensures the patient is at rest and in a comfortable position to obtain an accurate respiratory rate. |
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| Observes the patient's chest or abdomen to count breaths. |
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| Counts the number of respirations for a full 60 seconds to account for any irregularities. |
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| Assesses the depth of breathing (shallow, normal, deep), rhythm pattern of breathing, and I:E ratio. |
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| Assesses the degree of labored breathing and requests subjective breathing sensations from the patient if possible. |
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| Determines the regularity of breathing patterns. |
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| Observes for signs of labored breathing, use of accessory muscles, nasal flaring, or retractions. |
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| Compares pulse oximetry readings with respiratory assessment findings. |
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| Post-Intervention |
| Records the respiratory rate, depth, rhythm, and any notable observations in the patient's medical record. |
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| Performs post-intervention management steps. |
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