Measure and Record Respirations

https://4yourcna.com/cna-skills-videos/measure-and-record-respirations/

T/F: this is a documentation skill

true

what are respirations?

watching the resident inhale and exhale—both together count as one respiration

what is the normal amount of respirations?

12-20 BPM. ALWAYS report abnormal results to the nurse

what supplies are required for this skill?

• documentation form

• clock

• pen

• gloves (optional based off of evaluation similar to radial pulse measurements)

step 1

read care plan and knock

step 2

do the opening (greet patient and introduce yourself)

step 3

explain the resident the procedure and ask for consent— do NOT tell them you’re taking respirations—instead ask permission do take vital signs

step 4

close the curtain, wash your hands and get your supplies

step 5

hold the resident’s wrist as though you are taking their pulse. it is optional to place an alcohol pad on their abdomen

step 6

pick a starting point on the clock to count respirations for one FULL minute

step 7

say stop at the end of the minute. ensure the resident is comfortable, ask if they need anything, give the call light and open the curtain—if using an alcohol pad make sure you throw it out

step 8

wash your hands

step 9

document the respirations then wash your hands again

step 10

review the skill and care plan and make any corrections and complete the skill saying “my skill is done”