Recording Respiration

🔍 Skill Overview

Measuring and recording respirations is a critical vital sign assessment that shows your ability to observe breathing patterns without the resident’s awareness. This skill requires careful observation, accurate counting, and attention to breathing quality. Proper respiratory assessment is essential for resident care and your certification exam.

🧰 Required Equipment/Supplies

• Watch with second hand
• Documentation materials
• Pen
• Proper positioning supplies
• Call light within reach
• Stethoscope (if needed)

⚡ Key Steps

1. Pre-procedure
   • Verify resident identity
   • Position resident comfortably
   • Maintain pulse position (to avoid alerting resident)
   • Observe chest/abdomen movement
   • Ensure resident is relaxed
   • Note resident’s position
2. During procedure
   • Count for full 60 seconds
   • Observe breathing depth
   • Note breathing pattern
   • Watch for use of accessory muscles
   • Note any abnormal sounds
   • Maintain casual observation
3. Post-procedure
   • Document rate
   • Record breathing characteristics
   • Note any irregularities
   • Report abnormal findings
   • Ensure resident comfort
   • Clean up area

⚠️ Critical Points

• Must count full 60 seconds
• Don’t tell resident you’re counting breaths
• Observe quality of breathing
• Note use of accessory muscles
• Watch for signs of distress
• Know normal ranges
• Report abnormal findings

✅ Skills Test Tips

• Count silently
• Maintain casual demeanor
• Note depth and rhythm
• Document immediately
• Report readings outside normal range (12-20)
• Observe skin color
• Note any signs of difficulty

📹 Video Demonstration

Watch our detailed video demonstration below to see proper respiration measurement technique in action. This video will show you exactly how to perform this vital assessment for your certification exam.