In order to get an accurate reading, which technique would the nurse use to measure the client's respirations?
1. Stare intently at the client's chest.
2. Place a hand on the client's chest to feel the thoracic cavity move.
3. Maintain the fingers on the radial pulse.
4. Watch the nose flare with each respiration.
Correct Answer: 3
If the client is aware that respirations are being measured, it will often cause her to alter her breathing pattern. It is best for the nurse to count respirations while maintaining the fingers on the radial pulse, in order to avoid alerting the client to what the nurse is assessing. Staring intently at the client's chest or placing a hand on the chest would indicate what the nurse is assessing. The nose does not flare with normal respirations in most clients, so this would not be effective.
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