Learning outcomes
By the end of this section, you should know how to:
▪ prepare the patient for this nursing practice
▪ assess, measure and record the respirations
▪ recognise any abnormalities.
Background knowledge required
To help you to assess, record and interpret respiration, it is necessary to have some knowledge of the respiratory system, particularly the physiology of the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli.
Indications and rationale for assessing respiration
The basic activity of the respiratory system is to supply sufficient oxygen for the body’s metabolic needs and remove carbon dioxide. This is achieved through inspiration and expiration. One respiration consists of an inspiration and an expiration. Respiration may be assessed for the following reasons:
▪ to obtain a baseline measurement so that any alteration in the patient’s breathing pattern can be promptly noticed
▪ to monitor a patient who has breathing problems to help in diagnosis
▪ to compare against baseline measurements to help evaluate the effect of treatment on patients who have pulmonary disease.
Equipment1. Watch with a second hand.
Guidelines and rationale for this nursing practice▪ this is the one assessment that is best carried out without the patient’s knowledge because if the patient becomes aware that the respiration rate is being assessed, this can cause the rate to change
▪ ensure that the patient is in a comfortable position and is as relaxed as possible as this will help to ensure an accurate assessment
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