7.10 Skills Checklist: Respirations

1. Gather Supplies: Watch or clock with a second hand

2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:

    • 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:

    • Count respirations for 60 seconds.

4. Post-Procedure Steps:

    • 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:

 


  1. Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Obtaining Respirations. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0https://youtu.be/yljzSZHqbq8
  2. Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Obtaining Temperature, Pulse, and Respirations. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0https://youtu.be/_NRc4zEYrNI

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